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Epigenetic Control of Germline Development

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Germ Cell Development in C. elegans

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 757))

Abstract

Dynamic regulation of histone modifications and small noncoding RNAs is observed throughout the development of the C. elegans germ line. Histone modifications are differentially regulated in the mitotic vs meiotic germ line, on X chromosomes vs autosomes and on paired chromosomes vs unpaired chromosomes. Small RNAs function in transposon silencing and developmental gene regulation. Histone modifications and small RNAs produced in the germ line can be inherited and impact embryonic development. Disruption of histone-modifying enzymes or small RNA machinery in the germ line can result in sterility due to degeneration of the germ line and/or an inability to produce functional gametes.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Xingyu She for the images included in Fig. 13.3, and Bill Kelly, Michael Cosgrove, Yiqing Guo, and Tim Schedl for comments on the manuscript. This work was supported by NIH funding (1R01GM089818) to EMM.

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  1. Department of Biology, Syracuse University, 107 College Place, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA

    Priscilla M. Van Wynsberghe & Eleanor M. Maine

  2. Department of Biology, Colgate University, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY, 11346, USA

    Priscilla M. Van Wynsberghe

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  1. Priscilla M. Van Wynsberghe
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  2. Eleanor M. Maine
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Correspondence to Eleanor M. Maine .

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  1. , Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 4566 Scott Avenue, St. Louis, 63130, Missouri, USA

    Tim Schedl

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Van Wynsberghe, P.M., Maine, E.M. (2013). Epigenetic Control of Germline Development. In: Schedl, T. (eds) Germ Cell Development in C. elegans. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 757. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4015-4_13

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