Epigenetic reprogramming throughout preimplantation development and consequences for assisted reproductive technologies

• Published in: Birth defects research. Part C. Embryo today Vol. 75; no. 1; pp. 1 - 9
• Main Authors: Wrenzycki, Christine, Herrmann, Doris, Lucas-Hahn, Andrea, Gebert, Claudia, Korsawe, Karin, Lemme, Erika, Carnwath, Joseph W., Niemann, Heiner
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.03.2005
• Subjects: Animals; DNA Methylation; Embryo Implantation - physiology; Epigenesis, Genetic; Humans; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
• ISSN: 1542-975X; 1542-9768
• DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20035

Knowledge about preimplantation development is important both for basic reproductive biology and for practical applications, including livestock breeding and regenerative medicine. During preimplantation development, epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are involved in the regulation of imprinted and nonimprinted genes, in the initiation of X chromosome inactivation, and the adjustment of telomere length. The underlying events are particularly vulnerable to external factors. Characterization of expression profiles in in vivo–derived embryos of different developmental stages and understanding the mechanisms and dynamics underlying the reprogramming process are the first steps towards the analysis of the complex gene regulatory networks. They provide a baseline for the analysis of manipulated embryos of all mammalian species, including humans, to improve embryo technologies and related therapeutic applications. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 75:1–9, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.