Epigenetic regulation of early embryonic development (B06)

• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 549467913

The DNA methylation landscape undergoes significant remodelling during early development, germ cell specification, and gametogenesis. Disruptions in the molecular machinery underlying this critical epigenetic regulation can lead to developmental abnormalities, such as deregulation of transposable elements, defective genomic imprinting, embryonic lethality, and male infertility. This project will decipher the DNA methylation dynamics during embryo dormancy, the underlying regulation and developmental significance of this process, and the potential parallels with the epigenetic reprogramming during primordial germ cell development and gametogenesis.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1748: Principles of Reproduction – Unravelling the Molecular Mechanisms of Male Infertility
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Head: Dr. Ivan Bedzhov