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Epigenetics of reproductive infertility
Laxmidhar Das1, Sabnam Parbin1, Nibedita Pradhan1
1Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India.
Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition)
|April 15, 2017
Summary
Epigenetic modifications significantly impact reproductive infertility, potentially affecting multiple generations. Understanding these gene regulation mechanisms is crucial for diagnosing and treating infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Epigenetics
- Genetics
Background:
- Infertility stems from complex physiological and genetic factors.
- Emerging research links aberrant epigenetic mechanisms to reproductive infertility.
- Epigenetic alterations in gametes may have transgenerational effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in gene regulation by epigenetic modifications.
- To emphasize the role of epigenetic mechanisms in reproductive infertility.
- To explore factors influencing epigenetic modifications in gametes and offspring.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent mechanistic studies on epigenetic regulation.
- Analysis of factors affecting DNA and histone modifications.
- Examination of epigenetic influences on gametogenesis, embryogenesis, and offspring.
Main Results:
- Aberrant epigenetic mechanisms are increasingly implicated in infertility.
- Environmental, nutritional, hormonal, and physiological factors influence epigenetic modifications.
- Chromatin nucleosome architecture impacts DNA and histone modifications in gametes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding altered epigenetic modifications is key to determining infertility causes.
- Epigenetic modifications play a significant role in male and female reproductive health.
- Future research on epigenetic modifiers in human infertility should utilize animal models.