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Published on: April 10, 2018
Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms associated with infertility
Sheroy Minocherhomji1, Prochi F Madon, Firuza R Parikh
1Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Wilhelm Johannsen Centre for Functional Genome Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Blegdamsvej 3B, University of Copenhagen, 2200 N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Epigenetic alterations, changes in gene expression without DNA sequence changes, are linked to infertility. Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms could reveal causes of unexplained infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Infertility is a complex condition with numerous causes, including genetic factors.
- Emerging research links altered epigenetic mechanisms to impaired spermatogenesis and infertility.
- A consensus on the specific epigenetic factors causing infertility is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epigenetic regulation mechanisms.
- To emphasize the potential role of epigenetics in infertility.
- To explore how epigenetic alterations contribute to idiopathic infertility.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on epigenetic mechanisms.
- Analysis of epigenetic alterations in genes related to infertility.
- Investigation of chromatin organization in pericentromeric regions (chromosomes 9 and Y).
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation and changes in chromatin state, are associated with infertility phenotypes.
- Noncoding RNAs may also play a role in the epigenetic regulation of fertility.
- Specific chromosomal regions, including pericentromeric areas of chromosomes 9 and Y, are implicated.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial in regulating gene expression relevant to fertility.
- Further research into DNA methylation, chromatin state, and noncoding RNAs is needed to understand infertility.
- Identifying specific epigenetic alterations could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for idiopathic infertility.
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