Analysis of histone arginine residue methylation that controls reprogramming of the genome in the zygote

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15697
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 42030:Animal life science-related
• Research Institution: National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (2022); Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (2020-2021)
• Principal Investigator: Itami Nobuhiko 国立研究開発法人農業・食品産業技術総合研究機構, 畜産研究部門, 研究員 (20849616)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 受精卵 / 卵子 / ヒストン / アルギニン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The reprogramming of the male genome in mouse fertilization requires histone H3R17 dimethylation (H3R17me2a) in the oocyte. In this study, it was discovered that while H3R17me2a exists in the genome during interphase in eggs, fertilized eggs, embryonic stem cells, and fibroblasts, it disappears from the genome during mitosis. Using experiments with demethylation inhibitors, it was found that the dynamics of H3R17me2a change between the mitotic and interphase stages in mouse eggs, and this affects embryonic development. Additionally, in a study using cows, it was found that specific amino acids are involved in events such as histone incorporation in the pronuclear formation of zygotes.

Free Research Field

動物生殖学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は受精卵のゲノム再プログラム化機構の一端を明らかにするものであり、受精卵の全能性獲得機構の解明や効率的な幹細胞の作成等に寄与する。さらにウシを用いた研究で、受精後の前核形成や発生速度を制御できる因子を発見できたことは、高受胎性が担保された受精卵の増産につながるため、畜産現場への受精卵移植の普及に大きく貢献できる。