Summary The process of cytodifferentiation in spermatogenesis is governed by a unique genetic and molecular programme. In this context, accurate ‘tuning’ of the regulatory mechanisms involved in germ cells differentiation is required, as any error could have dramatic consequences on species survival and maintenance. To study the processes that govern the spatial–temporal expression of genes, as well as analyse transmission of epigenetic information to descendants, an integrated approach of genetics, biochemistry and cytology data is necessary. As information in the literature on interplay between DNA methylation and histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in the advanced stages of murine spermatogenesis is still scarce, we investigated the effect of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, at the cytological level using immunocytochemistry methodology. Our results revealed a particular distribution of H3K4me3 during sperm cell differentiation and highlighted an important role for regulation of DNA methylation in controlling histone methylation and chromatin remodelling during spermatogenesis.

中文翻译：

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DNA甲基转移酶抑制剂调节组蛋白甲基化：精子分化过程中H3K4me3与DNA甲基化之间的表观遗传串扰

总结 精子发生中的细胞分化过程受独特的遗传和分子程序控制。在这种情况下，需要对生殖细胞分化所涉及的调节机制进行准确的“调整”，因为任何错误都可能对物种的生存和维持产生重大影响。为了研究控制基因时空表达的过程，以及分析表观遗传信息向后代的传递，遗传学、生物化学和细胞学数据的综合方法是必要的。由于文献中关于小鼠精子发生晚期 DNA 甲基化和组蛋白 H3 赖氨酸 4 三甲基化 (H3K4me3) 之间相互作用的信息仍然很少，我们研究了 DNA 甲基转移酶抑制剂 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine 的作用，在细胞学水平上使用免疫细胞化学方法。我们的研究结果揭示了 H3K4me3 在精子细胞分化过程中的特殊分布，并强调了调节 DNA 甲基化在控制精子发生过程中组蛋白甲基化和染色质重塑中的重要作用。