Reprogramming of DNA observed in human germ cells for first time
Friday, June 5, 2015 - 14:30
in Biology & Nature
A team of researchers has described for the first time in humans how the epigenome -- the suite of molecules attached to our DNA that switch our genes on and off -- is comprehensively erased in early primordial germ cells prior to the generation of egg and sperm. However, the study shows some regions of our DNA -- including those associated with conditions such as obesity and schizophrenia -- resist complete reprogramming.