DNA methylation and histone modifications are essential for regulation of stem cell formation and differentiation in zebrafish development

Abstract

The complex processes necessary for embryogenesis require a gene regulatory network that is complex and systematic. Gene expression regulates development and organogenesis, but this process is altered and fine-tuned by epigenetic regulators that facilitate changes in the chromatin landscape. Epigenetic regulation of embryogenesis adjusts the chromatin structure by modifying both DNA through methylation and nucleosomes through posttranslational modifications of histone tails. The zebrafish is a well-characterized model organism that is a quintessential tool for studying developmental biology. With external fertilization, low cost and high fecundity, the zebrafish are an efficient tool for studying early developmental stages. Genetic manipulation can be performed in vivo resulting in quick identification of gene function. Large-scale genome analyses including RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation and chromatin structure all are feasible in the zebrafish. In this review, we highlight the key events in zebrafish development where epigenetic regulation plays a critical role from the early stem cell stages through differentiation and organogenesis.

Histone Methylation Related Therapeutic Challenge in Cardiovascular Diseases

“…Alterations at the epigenetic level that mediate chromatin structure are involved in the regulation of genome stabilization and cellular homeostasis ( 25 , 26 ). In eukaryotic nuclei, DNA is wrapped around by four core histone proteins, namely, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4, which further forms nucleosomes and chromatin ( 27 , 28 ).…”

Genetic and epigenetic regulation of growth, reproduction, disease resistance and stress responses in aquaculture

“…Histone marks and 3D genome organization are also reprogrammed in the germline and after fertilization ( Eckersley-Maslin et al, 2018 ). In zebrafish, the primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo significant DNA methylation reprogramming during germ cell development ( Jessop et al, 2018 ; Marchione et al, 2021 ); the methylome of PGCs is reset to an oocyte/ovary-like pattern at 9 days post fertilization (9 dpf), suggesting that methylation reprogramming is required for zebrafish sex transition ( Wang et al, 2021 ). It was demonstrated that zebrafish achieve a totipotent chromatin state at zygotic genome activation (ZGA) through paternal genome competency and maternal genome DNA methylation reprogramming ( Potok et al, 2013 ).…”

Editorial: Zebrafish Epigenetics

“…A key area of focus in the field of epigenetics pertains the comprehension of the functional relevance of the epigenetic mechanisms occurring during embryogenesis to shape normal developmental trajectories and adult phenotypes ( Atlasi and Stunnenberg, 2017 ; Skvortsova et al, 2018 ; Cavalieri, 2021 ; Marchione et al, 2021 ).…”