Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization
Published on: June 17, 2025
[Influence of the male genomic imprinting on the reproduction]
G C Vasco1, A M Gil Villa, C Piedrahita Ochoa
1Grupo Reproducción, Sede de Investigación Universitaria (SIU), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Objective:
Genomic imprinting is the epigenetic change that occurred differentially in the specific genes in spermatozoa and oocyte according to their paternal or maternal origin, thus allowing a monoallelic expression. This review is a critical analysis of the published information relating to the role of the male imprinting on the successful reproduction.
Methods:
We performed a literature search on some of the components that regulate the male genomic imprinting and the possible role on reproductive events such as spermatogenesis, and placental and embryo development.
Results:
The literature analysis allowed us to appreciate structural, genetic and epigenetic changes occurring during the formation of the male gamete that could have an impact on embryo development, mainly in the formation of extraembryonic tissues as the placenta.
Conclusion:
Alterations in the molecular mechanisms involved in the sperm DNA methylation during the spermatogenesis, could induce alterations in the normal pattern of expression required in the fetal-placental components development.
Related Concept Videos
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Dosage Compensation
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with distinct numbers of X chromosomes will have...
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
X-Inactivation
X-inactivation

