Epigenetics: A key paradigm in reproductive health

Abstract

It is well established that there is a heritable element of susceptibility to chronic human ailments, yet there is compelling evidence that some components of such heritability are transmitted through non-genetic factors. Due to the complexity of reproductive processes, identifying the inheritance patterns of these factors is not easy. But little doubt exists that besides the genomic backbone, a range of epigenetic cues affect our genetic programme. The inter-generational transmission of epigenetic marks is believed to operate via four principal means that dramatically differ in their information content: DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNAs and nucleosome positioning. These epigenetic signatures influence the cellular machinery through positive and negative feedback mechanisms either alone or interactively. Understanding how these mechanisms work to activate or deactivate parts of our genetic programme not only on a day-to-day basis but also over generations is an important area of reproductive health research.

AMPK: An Epigenetic Landscape Modulator

“…Epigenetic regulation gives rise to a spectrum of cellular phenotypes observed in a single organism independent of primary DNA sequence. Such regulation is hereditable and stable, as occurs in the determination of cell type, but also transient, producing a particular phenotypic outcome to ensure survival [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Influencing gene expression, epigenetics promotes organismal adaption by offering substantial functional variability in response to environmental stimuli [ 1 , 2 , 3 ].…”

“…Such regulation is hereditable and stable, as occurs in the determination of cell type, but also transient, producing a particular phenotypic outcome to ensure survival [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Influencing gene expression, epigenetics promotes organismal adaption by offering substantial functional variability in response to environmental stimuli [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. This regulation occurs, in part, through nucleosomal remodeling as a result of histone, DNA, and DNA-binding protein modifications that include: phosphorylation, acetylation, O -GlcNAcylation, ribosylation, and methylation.…”

Recent developments in genetics and medically assisted reproduction: from research to clinical applications

“…However, these alternations have not yet been unambiguously associated with any clinically relevant outcomes, thus far. Future studies should focus on the normal epigenetic regulation in human gametes and embryos, the natural inter-individual variation in, for example, DNA methylation, the consequences of slight alterations in DNA methylation and phenotypical (long-term) consequences of epimutations [ 209 ].…”

Oxidative stress in reproductive toxicology

“…Hypermethylation in ovaries [40], histone deacetylation in myometrium [41] are caused by endocrine disruptors. Other disorders associated with epigenetic changes are irregular ovulation, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis [42]. …”