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.

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