Epigenetic regulation in spermatogenesis.
- Author:
Chen XU
;
Ning SONG
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
DNA Methylation;
Embryonic Development;
Epigenesis, Genetic;
physiology;
Genomic Imprinting;
Humans;
Male;
Meiosis;
Spermatogenesis;
genetics;
Spermatogonia;
cytology;
physiology
- From:
National Journal of Andrology
2014;20(5):387-391
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Spermatogenesis is a process consisting of spermatogonial proliferation, spermatocytic meiosis, and spermiogenesis, and is also considered to be a process in which heterochromatins gradually aggregate and finally reach a highly condensed formation in the sperm head. Recent studies show that epigenetic regulation plays a key role in spermatogenesis. This review discusses the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in spermatogenesis in three aspects, DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNAs. These factors are essential for spermatogenesis, fertilization, and embryogenesis by mutual regulation as well as by gene expression regulation, transposon activation, sex chromosome inactivation, and genome imprinting.
