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1 November 2007 Dynamic Regulation of Histone H3 Methylation at Lysine 4 in Mammalian Spermatogenesis
Maren Godmann, Veronik Auger, Vivian Ferraroni-Aguiar, Annarita Di Sauro, Claudio Sette, Ruediger Behr, Sarah Kimmins
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Abstract

Spermatogenesis is a highly complex cell differentiation process that is governed by unique transcriptional regulation and massive chromatin alterations, which are required for meiosis and postmeiotic maturation. The underlying mechanisms involve alterations to the epigenetic layer, including histone modifications and incorporation of testis-specific nuclear proteins, such as histone variants and protamines. Histones can undergo methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation among other modifications at their N-terminus, and these modifications can signal changes in chromatin structure. We have identified the temporal and spatial distributions of histone H3 mono-, di-, and trimethylation at lysine 4 (K4), and the lysine-specific histone demethylase AOF2 (amine oxidase flavin-containing domain 2, previously known as LSD1) during mammalian spermatogenesis. Our results reveal tightly regulated distributions of H3-K4 methylation and AOF2, and that H3-K4 methylation is very similar between the mouse and the marmoset. The AOF2 protein levels were found to be higher in the testes than in the somatic tissues. The distribution of AOF2 matched the cell- and stage-specific patterns of H3-K4 methylation. Interaction studies revealed unique epigenetic regulatory complexes associated with H3-K4 methylation in the testis, including the association of AOF2 and methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (MBD2a/b) in a complex with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). These studies enhance our understanding of epigenetic modifications and their roles in chromatin organization during male germ cell differentiation in both normal and pathologic states.

Maren Godmann, Veronik Auger, Vivian Ferraroni-Aguiar, Annarita Di Sauro, Claudio Sette, Ruediger Behr, and Sarah Kimmins "Dynamic Regulation of Histone H3 Methylation at Lysine 4 in Mammalian Spermatogenesis," Biology of Reproduction 77(5), 754-764, (1 November 2007). https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.107.062265
Received: 13 April 2007; Accepted: 1 July 2007; Published: 1 November 2007
KEYWORDS
AOF2/LSD1
epigenetics
gamete biology
histone epigenetics
spermatogenesis
testis
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