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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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Ex Utero Culture of Mouse Embryos from Pregastrulation to Advanced Organogenesis

Ex Utero Culture of Mouse Embryos from Pregastrulation to Advanced Organogenesis

Published on: October 19, 2021

Embryo culture and epigenetics.

Brenna A Market Velker¹, Michelle M Denomme, Mellissa R W Mann

¹Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Biochemistry, Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|July 26, 2012

Summary

Assisted reproductive technologies like embryo culture can disrupt crucial epigenetic reprogramming during early development. Embryos may adapt to suboptimal culture conditions, with "quiet" embryos potentially experiencing fewer epigenetic alterations.

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Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Epigenetics
Reproductive Medicine

Background:

Preimplantation development involves major epigenetic reprogramming, erasing gametic modifications and establishing embryonic ones.
Epigenetic modifications are plastic and susceptible to disruption by assisted reproductive technologies, particularly embryo culture.
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are widely used but can impact early embryonic development.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current evidence on the effects of embryo culture on epigenetic reprogramming during preimplantation development.
To identify potential epigenetic perturbations caused by in vitro culture conditions.
To explore embryo adaptation mechanisms to suboptimal in vitro environments.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies examining DNA methylation and histone modifications in cultured embryos.
Analysis of evidence concerning retroviral silencing, X-inactivation, and genomic imprinting in relation to embryo culture.
Synthesis of findings on the impact of various embryo culture media and conditions.

Main Results:

Embryo culture, even without other procedures, can lead to significant epigenetic perturbations.
Current embryo culture media are suboptimal for maintaining normal epigenetic programming.
Embryo responses to in vitro culture are stochastic, indicating variability in susceptibility.
Evidence suggests embryos can undergo epigenetic adaptations to cope with suboptimal culture environments.

Conclusions:

In vitro embryo culture poses risks to the epigenetic integrity of developing embryos.
Suboptimal culture conditions necessitate further research into improving ART protocols.
Embryos exhibiting 'quiet' epigenetic profiles may be more resilient to the adverse effects of in vitro culture.