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A Molecular Perspective on Procedures and Outcomes with Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Monica A Mainigi1, Carmen Sapienza2, Samantha Butts1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine
|January 10, 2016
Summary
Assisted reproductive technologies may affect perinatal outcomes through epigenetic changes. DNA methylation analysis shows promise for clinical applications in reproductive medicine.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Epigenetics
- Perinatal Outcomes
Background:
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are increasingly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.
- This necessitates an in-depth examination of ART protocols and their impact on epigenetic regulation.
- Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial in understanding reproductive health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of epigenetic mechanisms in ART-related perinatal outcomes.
- To identify potential epigenetic biomarkers for risk assessment and prognosis in reproductive medicine.
- To discover novel pathways and therapeutic targets through genome-wide epigenetic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA methylation patterns.
- Assessment of histone modifications and chromatin proteins.
- Evaluation of noncoding RNAs (e.g., microRNAs) and DNase-hypersensitivity.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic analysis provides insights into chromatin structure and gene activity.
- Various epigenetic techniques offer complementary views of gene regulation.
- Quantitative DNA methylation analysis demonstrates high precision and reproducibility.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic insights can identify risk indicators, diagnostic biomarkers, and prognostic factors in reproductive medicine.
- Genome-wide epigenetic studies can uncover new disease pathways and intervention targets.
- Quantitative DNA methylation analysis is currently the most promising epigenetic approach for clinical application in reproductive settings.
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