Regulation of DNA methylation during the testicular development of Shaziling pigs

DNA methylation is one of the key epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in development and spermatogenesis. However, the dynamic regulatory mechanisms of genome-wide DNA methylation during testicular development remain largely unknown. Herein, we generated a single-base resolution DNA methylome and transcriptome atlas of precocious porcine testicular tissues across three developmental stages (1, 75, and 150 days old). The results showed that the dynamic methylation patterns were directly related to the expression of the DNMT3A gene. Conjoint analysis revealed a negative regulatory pattern between promoter methylation and the positive regulation of 3 & PRIME;-untranslated region (3 ' UTR) methylation. Mechanistically, the decrease in promoter methylation affected the upregulation of meiosis-related genes, such as HORMAD1, SPO11, and SYCE1. Demethylation in the 3 ' UTR induced the downregulation of the INHBA gene and knockdown of INHBA inhibited cell proliferation by reducing the synthesis of activin A. These findings contribute to exploring the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation in testicular development.

Automated summary

This study generated a DNA methylome and transcriptome atlas of precocious porcine testicular tissues, providing insights into the dynamic regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation during testicular development. The results showed a direct relationship between dynamic methylation patterns and the expression of the DNMT3A gene. Promoter methylation was found to negatively regulate 3' UTR methylation. Additionally, decreased promoter methylation affected the upregulation of meiosis-related genes, while demethylation in the 3' UTR led to the downregulation of the INHBA gene. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation in testicular development.