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Related Concept Videos

Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance02:30

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 Regulation01:37

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 Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures03:17

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation
07:39

Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation

Published on: April 14, 2023

Epigenetics and the placenta.

Ewka C M Nelissen1, Aafke P A van Montfoort, John C M Dumoulin

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Research Institute Growth & Development (GROW), Center for Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, MUMC+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. e.nelissen@mumc.nl

Human Reproduction Update
|October 21, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epigenetic regulation is crucial for placental development and fetal growth. Disturbances in these epigenetic marks, influenced by environmental factors, can lead to pregnancy complications and impact long-term health.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • The placenta is vital for fetal development; its improper development can cause adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
  • Placental development and function are significantly influenced by epigenetic regulation.
  • Disruptions in placentation are linked to conditions like gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), pre-eclampsia, and fetal growth restriction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the role of epigenetics in placental development and function.
  • To synthesize findings on how epigenetic mechanisms impact fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Medline, and reference sections of relevant studies and reviews.
  • Systematic review of existing research on placental epigenetics.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, governs placental gene expression.
  • Genomic imprinting, a form of parent-of-origin gene expression, is critical for normal fetal and placental development.
  • Altered placental epigenetics is associated with intrauterine growth retardation, small for gestational age, pre-eclampsia, and GTD.
  • Environmental factors such as ethanol, oxygen levels, and assisted reproduction technologies can affect placental epigenetics.

Conclusions:

  • Proper epigenetic regulation of imprinted and non-imprinted genes is essential for placental development in both animal models and humans.
  • Environmental factors can disrupt placental epigenetic processes, leading to abnormal development and function.
  • Disturbed placental epigenetics may have long-term consequences for maternal health, fetal development, and disease susceptibility later in life.