Using the innovative “Repli-seq” technique, scientists have mapped RT from the earliest stage of the embryo, the zygote, to the blastocyst stage, creating a road map to the origin of life. Surprisingly, they found that RT in single-cell embryos is highly flexible, suggesting a unique genome duplication program. As cells develop, RT becomes more prominent, consistent with the gradual acquisition of chromatin marks that influence gene activity.
This discovery sheds light on the incredible plasticity of early embryonic cells, allowing cell identity to be reprogrammed by manipulating the RT program. The study also highlights the role of RNA polymerase in determining RT, providing a glimpse into future possibilities for manipulation of cells.
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Source: Ferra
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