Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 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
Epigenetics and fetal adaptation to perinatal events: diversity through fidelity
L A Joss-Moore1, D B Metcalfe, K H Albertine
1Division of Neonatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
Insights
Perinatal insults like undernutrition can lead to adult metabolic disorders. Epigenetic modifications help the fetus adapt by altering gene expression for survival.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Epigenetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Perinatal insults (fetal undernutrition, hypoxia) increase susceptibility to adult metabolic diseases like cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and obesity.
- Mechanisms linking perinatal insults to long-term health consequences are emerging.
- Epigenetic modifications of chromatin are a key adaptive response during fetal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore epigenetics as a mechanism for fetal adaptation to perinatal insults.
- To examine the role of epigenetic modifications in mediating long-term phenotypic consequences.
- To discuss the use of in vivo models in understanding perinatal adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on epigenetics and perinatal adaptation.
- Discussion of in vivo models to study interrelation of signals.
- Analysis of epigenetic effects on Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1).
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications modulate gene expression to enhance fetal survival.
- Perinatal adaptations occur via epigenetic mechanisms.
- Challenges in studying the complex field of epigenetics and perinatal insults were highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetics is a crucial mechanism for fetal adaptation to diverse environmental conditions.
- Epigenetic modifications allow for modulation of gene transcription in response to perinatal stress.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to addressing adult-onset metabolic disorders.
Abstract:
Perinatal insults, including fetal undernutrition and hypoxia, are associated with an increased susceptibility to several adult-onset metabolic disorders. These include cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and obesity. However, the mechanisms driving the long-term phenotypic consequences have only recently begun to be elucidated. A primary mechanism accounting for perinatal adaptation is the epigenetic modification of chromatin. In this context, epigenetic modifications to chromatin are thought to arise in response to a perinatal insult in an effort to modulate gene expression and maximize fetal survival. In this symposium report, we discuss epigenetics as a mechanism by which perinatal adaptations can be made by the developing fetus. We examine the benefits of using multiple in vivo models to understand the interrelation of signals that come together and result in perinatal adaptation. Epigenetic effects on IGF-1 arising from a perinatal insult are discussed, as are the difficulties and challenges associated with this complex field. In conclusion, epigenetics provides a means of modulating gene transcription, thus allowing fetal adaptation to a broad variety of conditions.
Related Concept Videos
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
01:15Natural Selection and Adaptation
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...