Epigenetic Reprogramming in Cloned Embryos

During early development, a dramatic reduction in methylation levels occurs in mouse (Monk et al., 1987). The process of epigenetic reprogramming in early embryos erases gamete-specific methylation patterns inherited from the parents (Howlett ＆ Reik 1991, Monk et al., 1987, Oswald et al., 2000, Sanford et al., 1984). This genome-wide demethylation process may be a prerequisite for the formation of pluripotent stem cells that are important for the later development (Reik ＆ Surani 1997). During post-implantation development, a wave of de novo methylation takes place; most of the genomic DNA is methylated at defined developmental timepoints, whereas tissue-specific genes undergo demethylation in their tissues of expression (Kafri et al., 1992, Razin ＆ Kafri 1994). Another demethylation-remethylation cycle of epigenetic reprogramming takes place during gametogenesis and is necessary for resetting of genomic imprinting (Solter 1988). The dynamic epigenetic reprogramming events appear to be basic and are probably conserved in eutherian mammals (see below). (omitted)