The 3D genome during germline development and meiosis

Germ cell development involves extensive remodeling of the 3D genome architecture, which is tightly coupled to transcriptional programs, meiotic chromosome dynamics, and re-establishment of totipotency in the next generation. Recent advances in chromosome conformation capture methods have uncovered stage-specific alterations in chromosome organization during spermatogenesis and oogenesis, including germline-specific 3D genome features. These distinctive nuclear configurations orchestrate gene expression programs essential for each developmental stage and meiosis, contribute to epigenetic inheritance, and shape genome evolution. In this review, we synthesize recent progress in understanding 3D genome organization in male and female germlines, and highlight emerging principles, unresolved questions, and innovative approaches that will advance our understanding of germline biology and the principles of genome architecture.