Oct4 regulates DNA methyltransferase 1 transcription by direct binding of the regulatory element

Abstract

BackgroundThe transcription factor Oct4 plays a pivotal role in the pre-implantation development of the mouse embryo. DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) maintains the changes in DNA methylation during mammalian early embryonic development. Little is known of the role of Oct4 in DNA methylation in mice. In this study, Kunming white mice were used as an animal model to reveal any correlation between DNA methylation and Oct4 during mammalian embryonic development.ResultsThe expressions of Dnmt1 and Oct4 were initially studied using real-time PCR. They exhibited different patterns during the pre-implantation stage. Moreover, by using a promoter assay and ChIP analysis, we found that the transcriptional activities of Dnmt1 in mouse NIH/3 T3 cells and CCE cells were regulated by Oct4 through direct binding to the − 554 to − 294 fragment of the upstream regulation element of Dnmt1. The downregulation of Dnmt1 expression and enzyme activity by mouse Oct4 were further confirmed by transfecting Oct4 siRNA into mouse CCE cells.ConclusionOur results indicate that Oct4 is involved in DNA methylation through the regulation of Dnmt1 transcription, especially during the early stages of mouse pre-implantation embryo development.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s11658-018-0104-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The role of folate receptor α in the partial rejuvenation of dentate gyrus cells. Improvement of cognitive function in elderly mice

“…In this regard, our results in aged mice showing the reorganization of the ECM by reducing the density of PNN replicate those reported for the rejuvenating effects of YF on the hippocampus [13]. The mechanism for YF partial reprogramming could involve transcriptional changes and an increase in DNA methylation [20][21][22]. Given that the latter process can also be enhanced by the presence of methyl donors or cofactors, we tested the possible partial reprogramming effect of folate and SAM as methyl donor and of vitamin B12 as a cofactor.…”

“…The mechanism for YF reprogramming could involve transcriptional changes and an increase in DNA methylation [24, 48, 57]. Given that the latter process can also be enhanced by the presence of methyl donors or cofactors, we tested the possible reprogramming effect of folate and SAM as methyl donor and of vitamin B12 as a cofactor.…”

“…The universal methyl-donor is methionine but other factors like folate could be involved indirectly [12]. It has been reported that YF and their related Thompson factors [32] increase the activity of DNA methyltransferases like the DNMT family [24,48,57]. Given that DNA methylation can increase in the preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder.…”

“…The universal methyl-donor is methionine but other factors like folate could be involved indirectly [12]. It has been reported that YF and their related Thompson factors [32] increase the activity of DNA methyltransferases like the DNMT family [24, 48, 57]. Given that DNA methylation can increase in the presence of methyltransferases, through the presence of methyl-donors like the universal methyl-donor (methionine), folate, or cofactors like vitamin B12 [12], here we studied whether the presence of any of these small compounds could replicate the effects of YF in the amelioration of aging features in the dentate gyrus (DG) [36].…”

Transcriptional Regulation of Vih by Oct4 and Sox9 in Scylla paramamosain

“…Jen et al ( 12 ) found that Oct4 can activate the transcription of MALAT1, thereby promoting cell proliferation and movement. Wu et al ( 13 ) found that the transcription factor Oct4 regulates the transcriptional activity of Dnmt1. In the mud crab, it was found in our previous studies that Oct4 mRNA was highly expressed in the mature ovaries, and its protein could also be detected in the ovaries.…”