Chromosomal coordination and differential structure of asynchronous replicating regions

Nat Commun. 2021 Feb 15;12(1):1035. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21348-4.

Abstract

Stochastic asynchronous replication timing (AS-RT) is a phenomenon in which the time of replication of each allele is different, and the identity of the early allele varies between cells. By taking advantage of stable clonal pre-B cell populations derived from C57BL6/Castaneous mice, we have mapped the genome-wide AS-RT loci, independently of genetic differences. These regions are characterized by differential chromatin accessibility, mono-allelic expression and include new gene families involved in specifying cell identity. By combining population level mapping with single cell FISH, our data reveal the existence of a novel regulatory program that coordinates a fixed relationship between AS-RT regions on any given chromosome, with some loci set to replicate in a parallel and others set in the anti-parallel orientation. Our results show that AS-RT is a highly regulated epigenetic mark established during early embryogenesis that may be used for facilitating the programming of mono-allelic choice throughout development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism*
  • Chromatin / chemistry*
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Chromatin / ultrastructure
  • Clone Cells
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • DNA Replication Timing*
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Embryonic Development / genetics
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Genetic Loci
  • Genome*
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Precursor Cells, B-Lymphoid / cytology
  • Precursor Cells, B-Lymphoid / metabolism*

Substances

  • Chromatin