H4K20me3 erasure facilitates reprogramming to totipotent-like state by promoting DUX4 mediated transcription [RNA-Seq]

Epigenetic remodeling following fertilization is essential for the acquisition of embryonic totipotency. The role of H4K20me3, a key component epigenetic mark, remains largely unexplored in the context of early human embryogenesis. Here, we observed a dynamic erasure of H4K20me3 modification during zygotic genome activation (ZGA), followed by a re-establishment after ZGA in human embryos. Using in vitro reprogramming of totipotent-like states, we demonstrated transient removal of H4K20me3 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) promotes DUX4-mediated expression of totipotent genes, the transition into a totipotent-like state. Overall design: RNA-seq profiling of DMSO, A196, DUX4-OE, A196&DUX4-OE samples and DMSO,A196, PlaB, A196&PlaB samples.