Pre-marking chromatin with H3K4 methylation is required for accurate zygotic genome activation and development

In vertebrate embryos, gene expression is first initiated at zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Maternally expressed transcription factors are essential for this process. However, it is unknown whether active chromatin modifications established in gametes are present in early embryos and contribute to ZGA and embryonic development. Here, we show that in Xenopus laevis, H3K4me3 occurs at common genomic loci in gametes, in transcriptionally quiescent pre-ZGA embryos, and in transcriptionally active ZGA embryos. These loci exhibit high H3K4me3 intensities and breadth, DNA hypomethylation, and elevated CpG content. We show that H3K4 methylation pre-marking is required for successful ZGA and development, including expression of the key ZGA transcription factor Pou5f3.2. We demonstrate that the H3K4 methyltransferase Cxxc1 ensures establishment of H3K4me3 and proper ZGA. These findings reveal a role for H3K4 methylation in defining active chromatin states in Xenopus laevis embryos and highlight its importance for accurate ZGA and embryonic development.