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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay
Published on: June 16, 2021
An Overview of How Epigenetics, MicroRNA-21, and Endocrine Disrupting Compounds Affect Oocyte Maturation and
Monique Nasser1, Reem Sabry1, Laura A Favetta1
1Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Abstract:
Epigenetic regulation is pivotal in reproductive processes, such as oocyte maturation and pre-implantation embryonic development, and it impacts gene expression without altering DNA sequence through mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Primarily, microRNA-21 is involved in meiotic progression, apoptosis, and cumulus cell function, which are necessary for oocyte competency. miR-21 dysregulation can lead to improper oocyte maturation and poor embryonic development, ultimately causing developmental defects. During pre-implantation embryonic development, DNA methylation and histone modifications contribute to cellular reprogramming, ensuring proper gene activation and repression. Environmentally, endocrine disruptors affect miR-21 expression, potentially disrupting pathways involved in reproductive health and developmental programming. Overall, this review explores the correlation between epigenetics, miRNA regulation, and environmental factors, emphasizing the intricacies of oocyte maturation and pre-implantation embryonic development. This highlights the need for additional mechanistic and translational research in reproductive epigenetics.
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