Dynamic Changes in Epigenetic Modifications During Mammalian Early Embryo Development

Epigenetic modifications play a pivotal role in gene expression regulation and thus actively participate in multiple developmental processes. Among them, DNA methylation and histone modifications are extensively profiled and functionally investigated during embryonic development and cell fate decision. With the application of state-of-the-art technologies and the establishment of the theoretical system in epigenetic modifications, more kinds of and detailed descriptions of epigenetic modifications during mammalian embryonic transitions are reported. In this chapter, we focus on DNA methylation and histone modifications, including histone methylation, histone acetylation and histone phosphorylation, and summarize its dynamic changes and effects at different stages of mammalian early embryonic development.