Epigenetic regulation of male fate commitment from an initially bipotential system. (15th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garcia-Moreno, S. Alexandra; Plebanek, Michael P.; Capel, Blanche
• Is Part Of: Molecular and cellular endocrinology. Volume 468(2018)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2018-06-15
• Subjects: Epigenetics -- Sex determination -- Cell fate commitment -- Plasticity -- Development -- Gonad; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Hormones -- Periodicals; Endocrinologie -- Périodiques; Cytology; Endocrinology; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 573.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.01.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-7207

Abstract

Abstract: A fundamental goal in biology is to understand how distinct cell types containing the same genetic information arise from a single stem cell throughout development. Sex determination is a key developmental process that requires a unidirectional commitment of an initially bipotential gonad towards either the male or female fate. This makes sex determination a unique model to study cell fate commitment and differentiation in vivo. We have focused this review on the accumulating evidence that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the bipotential state of the fetal gonad and to the regulation of chromatin accessibility during and immediately downstream of the primary sex-determining switch that establishes the male fate. Highlights: Sex determination is epigenetically regulated at several levels during development. Several X escapee and Y-linked genes are chromatin modifiers. Bivalent chromatin may contribute to the bipotential nature of the fetal gonad. The master male-determining switch Sry is epigenetically regulated in mammals. The master switch Dmrt1 is epigenetically regulated in fish, turtles and chickens.