Histone arginine methylation regulates pluripotency in the early mouse embryo

摘要: The assumption that the cells of mammalian embryo are identical until they form into 'inside' and 'outside' was overturned by recent discovery in mouse differ cell fate from as early four-cell stage. An epigenetic (non-DNA coded) mechanism seemed likely, has now been shown to be case. Differential modification (arginine methylation) histone H3 blastomere changes can maintain a pluripotent state. It generally accepted starts its development with all identical, only when inside outside do differences between first emerge. However, findings show their developmental potency stage1,2,3,4. These depend on orientation order cleavage divisions generated them2,5. Because marks suggested involved sustaining pluripotency6,7, we considered such properties might achieved through mechanisms. Here H3, methylation specific arginine residues, is correlated potency. Levels at residues maximal blastomeres will contribute inner mass (ICM) polar trophectoderm undertake full combined together chimaeras. Arginine minimal whose progeny contributes more mural compromised This suggests higher levels predispose ICM. We confirm this prediction overexpressing H3-specific methyltransferase CARM1 individual directs ICM results dramatic upregulation Nanog Sox2. Thus, our identify modifications earliest known marker contributing manipulation information influences determination.