A murine transgene, HRD, is methylated only when carried in certain inbred strain backgrounds. A locus on distal chromosome 4, Ssm1 (strain-specific modifier), controls this phenomenon. In order to characterize the activity of Ssm1, we have investigated developmental acquisition of methylation over the transgene. Analysis of postimplantation embryos revealed that strain-specific methylation is initiated prior to embryonic day (E) 6.5. Strain-specific transgene methylation is all-or-none in pattern and occurs exclusively in the primitive ectoderm lineage. A strain-independent pattern of partial methylation occurs in the primitive endoderm and trophectoderm lineages. To examine earlier stages, embryonic stem (ES) cells were derived from E3.5 blastocysts and examined for transgene methylation before and after differentiation. Though the transgene had already acquired some methylation in undifferentiated ES cells, differentiation induced further, de novo methylation in a strain-dependent manner. Analysis of methylation in ES cultures suggests that the transgene and endogenous genes (such as immunoglobulin genes) are synchronously methylated during early development. These results are interpreted in the context of a model in which Ssm1-like modifier genes produce alterations in chromatin structure during and/or shortly after implantation, thereby marking target loci for de novo methylation with the rest of the genome during gastrulation.
Development Journal Meeting 2022: From Stem Cells to Human Development
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Following a virtual meeting in 2020, we are delighted to announce that the fifth iteration of our popular Journal Meeting will be held from 11-14 September 2022 at the historic Wotton House, Surrey. Registration is open now.
Special Issue: The Immune System in Development and Regeneration
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Our latest special issue is now complete. It showcases articles that add to the repertoire of immune cell functions during development, repair and regeneration, and provide insights into the developmental pathways leading to the generation and dispersal of these cells.
Propose a new Workshop
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Our Workshops bring together leading experts and early-career researchers from a range of scientific backgrounds. Applications are now open to propose Workshops for 2024, one of which will be held in a Global South country.
Preprints in Development
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As part of our efforts to support the use of preprints and help curate the preprint literature, we are delighted to launch a new article type: ‘In preprints’. These pieces will discuss one or more recent preprints and place them in a broader context. You can read the first article here.
FocalPlane Network launched
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Like the Node Network, the aim of the FocalPlane Network is to facilitate promotion and networking as well as assist those seeking conference speakers, committee members, reviewers or collaborators. We hope that it will help promote diversity in the community. Find out more and join the Network here.
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