Louise Wilkins-Haug1. 1. Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. lwilkinshaug@partners.org
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Epigenetics encompasses multiple mechanisms by which DNA transcription is altered in various tissues and at different times without changing the underlying gene sequence. Epigenetics plays a key role, especially during embryo and trophoblast development. As assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) are used during these periods, a potential window of vulnerability exists during which epigenetic alterations may occur. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence for epigenetic alterations following ARTs was established based on an increased incidence of imprinting disorders, a particular epimutation in gametes. Recent work suggests induced ovulation and oocytes with potentially less stable imprints may contribute to a higher rate of the maternal imprint disorders noted. Alternatively, new findings of imprinting abnormalities in oligospermatic men again raise the question as to whether subfertility itself is associated with epimutations. SUMMARY: Currently, our understanding of epigenetics and assisted reproduction is incomplete. Further searches for ART infants with imprinting diseases are hampered by their rare nature. Perhaps more importantly attention has turned to understanding imprinting and epigenetics in placental function. Further analysis of placental epimutations may provide insight into the higher rates of adverse outcomes such as growth restriction that follow ARTs.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Epigenetics encompasses multiple mechanisms by which DNA transcription is altered in various tissues and at different times without changing the underlying gene sequence. Epigenetics plays a key role, especially during embryo and trophoblast development. As assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) are used during these periods, a potential window of vulnerability exists during which epigenetic alterations may occur. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence for epigenetic alterations following ARTs was established based on an increased incidence of imprinting disorders, a particular epimutation in gametes. Recent work suggests induced ovulation and oocytes with potentially less stable imprints may contribute to a higher rate of the maternal imprint disorders noted. Alternatively, new findings of imprinting abnormalities in oligospermatic men again raise the question as to whether subfertility itself is associated with epimutations. SUMMARY: Currently, our understanding of epigenetics and assisted reproduction is incomplete. Further searches for ART infants with imprinting diseases are hampered by their rare nature. Perhaps more importantly attention has turned to understanding imprinting and epigenetics in placental function. Further analysis of placental epimutations may provide insight into the higher rates of adverse outcomes such as growth restriction that follow ARTs.
Authors: Anna T Grazul-Bilska; Mary Lynn Johnson; Pawel P Borowicz; Loren Baranko; Dale A Redmer; Lawrence P Reynolds Journal: Theriogenology Date: 2012-10-30 Impact factor: 2.740
Authors: Teresa Lozoya; Francisco Domínguez; Antonio Romero-Ruiz; Liliana Steffani; Sebastián Martínez; Mercedes Monterde; Blanca Ferri; Maria Jose Núñez; Omar Zamora; Marta Gurrea; Susana Sangiao-Alvarellos; Olivia Vega; Carlos Simón; Antonio Pellicer; Manuel Tena-Sempere Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-01-31 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Francisco Dominguez; Juan Manuel Moreno-Moya; Teresa Lozoya; Ainhoa Romero; Sebastian Martínez; Mercedes Monterde; Marta Gurrea; Blanca Ferri; Maria Jose Núñez; Carlos Simón; Antonio Pellicer Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-07-11 Impact factor: 3.240