Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

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...

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

DNA methylation signatures of inflammation in youth living with perinatally-acquired HIV.

Clinical epigenetics·2026

Same author

Protecting the developing brains of children from Plastics-Derived chemicals and microplastic particles.

Environment international·2026

Same author

Oculomics meets exposomics: a roadmap for applying multi-modal ocular biomarkers in precision environmental health research.

Exposome·2025

Same author

Critical windows of prenatal heat exposure and preterm birth: Metabolomic study in the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort.

Science advances·2025

Same author

Reflections on the NIEHS Virtual Consortium funding mechanism (ViCTER) and what it has taught us about the future of transdisciplinary science.

Toxicology·2025

Same author

Prenatal pyrethroid exposure, placental gene network modules, and neonatal neurobehavior.

International journal of hygiene and environmental health·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation

Published on: April 14, 2023

Epigenetics in the placenta.

Matthew A Maccani¹, Carmen J Marsit

¹Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)

|July 21, 2009

Summary

Epigenetic alterations in the placenta, including DNA methylation and miRNA expression, are linked to developmental diseases. Studying these epigenetic changes offers insights into placental biology and disease risk.

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Developmental Biology
Genetics

Background:

Epigenetics studies gene expression beyond DNA sequence.
The placenta is crucial for fetal development and survival.
Epigenetic regulation in the placenta is vital for healthy pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate epigenetic alterations in placental development and disease.
To understand the role of epigenetic mechanisms in trophoblast biology and immunology.
To explore the potential of placental epigenetic alterations as biomarkers.

Main Methods:

Analysis of DNA methylation patterns.
Assessment of genomic imprinting.
Evaluation of microRNA (miRNA) expression.

More Related Videos

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo

Published on: August 2, 2017

Ex Vivo Placental Explant Flow Culture - Mimicking the Dynamic Conditions In Utero

Ex Vivo Placental Explant Flow Culture - Mimicking the Dynamic Conditions In Utero

Published on: September 8, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation

Published on: April 14, 2023

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo

Published on: August 2, 2017

Ex Vivo Placental Explant Flow Culture - Mimicking the Dynamic Conditions In Utero

Ex Vivo Placental Explant Flow Culture - Mimicking the Dynamic Conditions In Utero

Published on: September 8, 2023

Main Results:

Identified links between aberrant epigenetic regulation and pregnancy-related diseases.
Gained insights into trophoblast differentiation and placental immunology.
Highlighted the role of epigenetic alterations in disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

Epigenetic alterations in the placenta are associated with gestational diseases.
Placental epigenetics provides insights into development and disease.
Epigenetic markers may aid in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapies.