Effects of DNA Methylation on Gene Expression and Phenotypic Traits in Cattle: A Review

Abstract

Gene expression in cells is determined by the epigenetic state of chromatin. Therefore, the study of epigenetic changes is very important to understand the regulatory mechanism of genes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. DNA methylation is one of the most studied epigenetic modifications, which plays an important role in maintaining genome stability and ensuring normal growth and development. Studies have shown that methylation levels in bovine primordial germ cells, the rearrangement of methylation during embryonic development and abnormal methylation during placental development are all closely related to their reproductive processes. In addition, the application of bovine male sterility and assisted reproductive technology is also related to DNA methylation. This review introduces the principle, development of detection methods and application conditions of DNA methylation, with emphasis on the relationship between DNA methylation dynamics and bovine spermatogenesis, embryonic development, disease resistance and muscle and fat development, in order to provide theoretical basis for the application of DNA methylation in cattle breeding in the future.

A review of the role of transcription factors in regulating adipogenesis and lipogenesis in beef cattle

“…Epigenetics includes regulatory mechanisms that can change an organism's phenotype without changing its DNA sequence, and these changes can be transmitted down to succeeding generations (Bird, 2002;Zhang et al, 2023). Understanding epigenetic changes is essential for understanding how genes are regulated at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels.…”

“…Its levels can be affected by things like RNA interference, aberrant DNA methyltransferase activity, histone methylation, viral infections, environmental stimuli, temperature and nutrition (Fang et al, 2007). Importantly, DNA methylation displays temporal and tissue-specific patterns throughout the life cycle of animals and plants, with changing levels of methylation at various developmental stages (Zhang et al, 2023).…”

“…Histone modification, encompassing acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation and glycosylation, alters DNA accessibility for transcription factors and regulatory proteins, thereby modulating gene expression by modifying chromatin structure. DNA methylation adds methyl groups, typically to cytosine residues in CpG dinucleotides, suppressing gene expression by obstructing transcription factor binding, modulated by cellular processes and environmental cues (Ibeagha-Awemu & Zhao, 2015;Zhang et al, 2023). The non-coding RNA pathway led by miRNAs plays a pivotal role, orchestrating post-transcriptional gene regulation, influencing mRNA translation and degradation, and fine-tuning gene expression across diverse biological processes.…”

A ratiometric fluorescence assay for the detection of DNA methylation based on an alkaline phosphatase triggered in situ fluorogenic reaction

“…It is confirmed to be a pivotal factor for many cellular processes, including genomic silencing, X chromosome inactivation, cellular differentiation, and embryonic development. 2–5 Anomalous DNA methylation levels at regional and global genes will speed up tumorigenesis and cause various types of cancers, such as lung, breast, and liver cancers. 6 The methylation levels of regional and global genes are increasingly considered as liquid biopsy biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cancer owing to the fact that methylated DNA can be released into the body fluids.…”

Decreased Alu methylation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients increases HbA1c levels

“…[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] DNA methylation serves two fundamental purposes: genomic stability prevention and gene expression regulation. 28,29 Alu methylation, a specific form of DNA methylation, has been shown to play a role in minimizing the accumulation of endogenous DNA damage. 30 This effect is achieved by reducing the torsional force on the DNA double helix through naturally occurring hypermethylated DNA gaps.…”