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Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance

Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying DNA...

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate correctly and move to the opposite poles of the cells. This produces daughter cells with abnormal chromosome numbers. Nondisjunction is common during anaphase I or anaphase II of meiosis. Mutations in synaptonemal complex proteins that attach homologous chromosomes increase the chances of nondisjunction in anaphase I of meiosis I. In contrast, mutations in topoisomerases and condensins that hold sister...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization

Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization

Published on: June 17, 2025

Epigenetics in reproductive medicine.

Ariane Paoloni-Giacobino¹

¹Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland. ariane.giacobino@medecine.unige.ch

Pediatric Research

|April 7, 2007

Summary

Assisted reproductive techniques may increase the risk of imprinting disorders due to epigenetic reprogramming issues. Further research is needed to ensure the safety of these methods and gametes from infertile patients.

Area of Science:

Genetics
Epigenetics
Developmental Biology

Background:

Imprinted genes are crucial for embryonic development, requiring precise epigenetic reprogramming in germ cells.
Dysregulation of imprinted genes is linked to human disorders and impacts fetal growth.
Conflicting studies exist regarding the association between assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and imprinting disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze available reports on the association between ART and imprinting disorders.
To discuss potential links between specific ART procedures or gamete quality and imprinting disorders.
To emphasize the need for understanding germline epigenetic reprogramming for ART safety.

Main Methods:

Systematic review and analysis of existing literature on ART and imprinting disorders.

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Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization

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Discussion of potential contributing factors within ART procedures.

Exploration of the role of gamete quality in infertile patients.

Main Results:

The review synthesizes current evidence on the ART-imprinting disorder association.
Potential risks may stem from specific ART steps or pre-existing gamete issues in infertile individuals.
A clear understanding of epigenetic reprogramming is essential for risk assessment.

Conclusions:

The safety of ART concerning imprinting disorders requires further investigation.
Understanding germline epigenetic reprogramming is vital for assessing ART risks.
Impaired gametes in infertile patients may also pose risks for imprinting disorders.