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Médecine de la Reproduction

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Nucleosome to nucleoprotamine transformation: an essential step but a black box in reproductive biology Volume 24, issue 2, Avril-Mai-Juin 2022

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Authors
CNRS UMR 5309; Inserm U1209; université Grenoble Alpes; Institut pour l’avancée des biosciences, Grenoble, France <sophie.rousseaux@univgrenoble-alpes.fr>
* Tirés à part : S. Rousseaux

During the differentiation of haploid male germ cells, or spermiogenesis, the organisation of the genome undergoes a profound and unique transformation resulting in extreme genome compaction. This maturation involves a structural transition of the genome from a nucleosome-based structure to a nucleoprotamine-based structure, which is only present in spermatids and spermatozoa. Despite the paramount importance of this fundamental transformation of the genome organisation during the generation of spermatozoa, its molecular basis has long remained completely obscure. Today, thanks to systematic approaches involving the discovery of new histones, their post-translational modifications and the associated factors, as well as large-scale structural and functional studies, we are able to propose the first molecular models explaining the genome-wide transformation of the nucleosome and the establishment of a compact, transportable and functional male genome. This review summarises the major advances made in recent years and our current understanding of the mechanisms driving this unique process in biology.