Events

Date: 1 October 2026   Time: 13:00 - 14:00     

Location: Fogg Lecture Theatre

Dr Tien-Chi Huang (MRC LMS)

Abstract

Epigenetic information is generally stable and faithfully inherited though cell division that is crucial for progressive constraint of cell differentiation potential during development. The germ line is a unique exception among all cell lineages after gastrulation. Global epigenetic resetting occurs in the mammalian primordial germ cells (PGCs) that ensure the robustness of restoring totipotency after fertilisation. This reprogramming process involves dynamic remodeling of chromatin at different hierarchical levels, including genome-wide loss of DNA methylation and redistribution of repressive histone modifications. While the changes in transcription and epigenome are well-documented, the dynamics of the 3D genome architecture remains poorly understood in PGCs. I will present our findings on sex-specific chromatin remodeling and the unique genome architecture of gonadal germ cells. I will then discuss how epigenetic reprogramming is mechanistically and functionally essential for germline competency, particularly the transition into meiosis.