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Paternal impact on the developmental programming of sexual dimorphism
Shefa' M Aljabali1,2, Shruta Pai1,2, Raffaele Teperino1,2
1Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Munich GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|December 23, 2024
Summary
Paternal factors before conception significantly impact offspring sexual dimorphism. These non-genetic influences affect male and female development differently, highlighting the need for sex-specific research in mammals.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sexual dimorphism encompasses anatomical, physiological, behavioral, and developmental differences between sexes.
- These differences are influenced by pre-conception and early developmental factors, impacting phenotypes and disease risks.
- Over half of quantitative traits in mice exhibit sex-based variation, driven by hormones, sex chromosomes, and imprinted genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of paternal non-genetic factors on sexual dimorphism in mammals.
- To synthesize research on how paternal health pre-conception influences offspring phenotypes in a sex-specific manner.
- To explore indirect paternal influences on offspring development.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis of current research on paternal influences on sexual dimorphism.
- Examination of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and paternally imprinted genes.
- Analysis of sperm RNA and seminal plasma contributions.
- Exploration of indirect paternal effects via maternal behavior, uterine, and placental changes.
Main Results:
- Paternal non-genetic factors can induce sex-specific alterations in offspring phenotypes.
- Mechanisms include epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, imprinting), sperm RNA, and seminal plasma.
- Indirect paternal influences mediated by maternal environment and placental function also contribute to sex-specific outcomes.
- These factors modulate sexual dimorphism during critical developmental periods.
Conclusions:
- Paternal health and environmental factors prior to conception play a crucial role in shaping sexual dimorphism.
- Understanding these non-genetic influences is essential for a comprehensive view of mammalian development and disease.
- Future mammalian studies must incorporate sex-specific documentation to fully elucidate these complex interactions.
Keywords:
developmental programingepigeneticsimprintingpaternal inheritanceseminal plasmasexual dimoprhismsperm RNAsMore Related Videos
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