Scientific article
Review
English

Epigenetics in reproductive medicine

ContributorsGiacobino, Ariane
Published inPediatric Research, vol. 61, no. 5 Pt 2, p. 51R-57R
Publication date2007
Abstract

Imprinted genes comprise a small subset of the genome whose epigenetic reprogramming in the germ line is necessary for subsequent normal embryonic development. This reprogramming and resetting of the imprints, through an erasure/acquisition/maintenance cycle, is a subtle and tightly orchestrated phenomenon, involving specific genomic regions and methylation enzymes. Dysregulation of imprinted genes has indeed been shown to lead to several human disorders as well as to affect placental and fetal growth. There have been numerous and conflicting studies assessing the possible association of imprinting disorders with assisted reproductive techniques. This work analyzes all relevant and available reports with regard to the association between assisted reproductive techniques and imprinting disorders. It also discusses whether this possibly increased risk of imprinting disorders may be linked to specific steps of these reproductive techniques or already present in the gametes of infertile patients. A better understanding of epigenetic reprogramming in the germ line is absolutely necessary both to assess the safety of these methods and of the use of impaired spermatogenesis gametes for assisted reproduction.

Keywords
  • Angelman Syndrome/genetics
  • Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome/genetics
  • DNA Methylation
  • Epigenesis
  • Genetic
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation
  • Fetus/anatomy & histology/physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genomic Imprinting
  • Humans
  • Hydatidiform Mole/genetics
  • Infertility
  • Male/genetics
  • Male
  • Placenta/physiology
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome/genetics
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproductive Medicine
Citation (ISO format)
GIACOBINO, Ariane. Epigenetics in reproductive medicine. In: Pediatric Research, 2007, vol. 61, n° 5 Pt 2, p. 51R–57R. doi: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e318039d978
Main files (1)
Article (Published version)
accessLevelRestricted
Identifiers
Journal ISSN0031-3998
197views
0downloads

Technical informations

Creation03/02/2021 14:31:00
First validation03/02/2021 14:31:00
Update16/03/2023 00:00:01
Status update16/03/2023 00:00:00
Last indexation31/10/2024 21:12:48
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack