scholarly journals On the origin of sperm epigenetic heterogeneity

Reproduction ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 151 (5) ◽  
pp. R71-R78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Laurentino ◽  
Jennifer Borgmann ◽  
Jörg Gromoll
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Aberrant Dna Methylation ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Sperm Epigenetics

AbstractThe influence of epigenetic modifications on reproduction and on the function of male germ cells has been thoroughly demonstrated. In particular, aberrant DNA methylation levels in sperm have been associated with abnormal sperm parameters, lower fertilization rates and impaired embryo development. Recent reports have indicated that human sperm might be epigenetically heterogeneous and that abnormal DNA methylation levels found in the sperm of infertile men could be due to the presence of sperm populations with different epigenetic quality. However, the origin and the contribution of different germ cell types to this suspected heterogeneity remain unclear. In this review, we focus on sperm epigenetics at the DNA methylation level and its importance in reproduction. We take into account the latest developments and hypotheses concerning the functional significance of epigenetic heterogeneity coming from the field of stem cell and cancer biology and discuss the potential importance and consequences of sperm epigenetic heterogeneity for reproduction, male (in)fertility and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Based on the current information, we propose a model in which spermatogonial stem cell variability, either intrinsic or due to external factors (such as endocrine action and environmental stimuli), can lead to epigenetic sperm heterogeneity, sperm epimutations and male infertility. The elucidation of the precise causes for epimutations, the conception of adequate therapeutic options and the development of sperm selection technologies based on epigenetic quality should be regarded as crucial to the improvement of ART outcome in the near future.

scholarly journals Aberrant DNA Methylation at Genes Associated with a Stem Cell-like Phenotype in Cholangiocarcinoma Tumors

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 1348-1355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruethairat Sriraksa ◽  
Constanze Zeller ◽  
Wei Dai ◽  
Afshan Siddiq ◽  
Andrew J. Walley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Aberrant Dna Methylation

Modifiable aspects of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) procedures lead to alterations in placental DNA methylation

2014 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. e42-e43
Author(s):  
R.S. Weinerman ◽  
J. Ghosh ◽  
S. Song ◽  
M. Truongcao ◽  
C. Sapienza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies

scholarly journals DNA methylation and gene expression changes derived from assisted reproductive technologies can be decreased by reproductive fluids

eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Canovas ◽  
Elena Ivanova ◽  
Raquel Romar ◽  
Soledad García-Martínez ◽  
Cristina Soriano-Úbeda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Methylation Analysis ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Methylation Patterns

The number of children born since the origin of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) exceeds 5 million. The majority seem healthy, but a higher frequency of defects has been reported among ART-conceived infants, suggesting an epigenetic cost. We report the first whole-genome DNA methylation datasets from single pig blastocysts showing differences between in vivo and in vitro produced embryos. Blastocysts were produced in vitro either without (C-IVF) or in the presence of natural reproductive fluids (Natur-IVF). Natur-IVF embryos were of higher quality than C-IVF in terms of cell number and hatching ability. RNA-Seq and DNA methylation analyses showed that Natur-IVF embryos have expression and methylation patterns closer to in vivo blastocysts. Genes involved in reprogramming, imprinting and development were affected by culture, with fewer aberrations in Natur-IVF embryos. Methylation analysis detected methylated changes in C-IVF, but not in Natur-IVF, at genes whose methylation could be critical, such as IGF2R and NNAT.

scholarly journals Confronting Rationality

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
RONALD M. GREEN
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Human Capabilities ◽  
Genetic Traits ◽  
The Past ◽  
New Gene

From the first initiatives in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and gene therapy through the advent of stem cell research to the development of mammalian cloning, the past two decades have witnessed remarkable advances in “reprogenetic” medicine: the union of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) with genetic control. This period has also been marked by intense debates within the bioethical literature and in national policy forums about the appropriate uses of these emerging human capabilities. We can now, in a limited way, select for genetic traits, and the power to modify the genome or introduce new gene sequences is not far off. How should these new powers be used?

scholarly journals The Roles of NO and H2S in Sperm Biology: Recent Advances and New Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2174
Author(s):  
Martin Kadlec ◽  
José Luis Ros-Santaella ◽  
Eliana Pintus
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Male Gamete ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Sperm Function ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Potential Use

After being historically considered as noxious agents, nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are now listed as gasotransmitters, gaseous molecules that play a key role in a variety of cellular functions. Both NO and H2S are endogenously produced, enzymatically or non-enzymatically, and interact with each other in a range of cells and tissues. In spite of the great advances achieved in recent decades in other biological systems, knowledge about H2S function and interactions with NO in sperm biology is in its infancy. Here, we aim to provide an update on the importance of these molecules in the physiology of the male gamete. Special emphasis is given to the most recent advances in the metabolism, mechanisms of action, and effects (both physiological and pathophysiological) of these gasotransmitters. This manuscript also illustrates the physiological implications of NO and H2S observed in other cell types, which might be important for sperm function. The relevance of these gasotransmitters to several signaling pathways within sperm cells highlights their potential use for the improvement and successful application of assisted reproductive technologies.

Comparison of Genome-Wide and Gene-Specific DNA Methylation between Pregnancies Conceived Naturally Versus ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies)

Placenta ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. A56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nir Melamed ◽  
Sanaa Choufani ◽  
Louise Wilkins-Haug ◽  
Ellen Greenblatt ◽  
Rosanna Weksberg
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Genome Wide

Reproductive technologies for the future: a role for epigenetics

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline G. Walker ◽  
Murray D. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Vitamin Supplementation ◽  
Regulate Gene Expression ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
One Carbon Metabolism ◽  
Aberrant Dna Methylation ◽  
B Vitamin

Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, regulate gene expression and, subsequently, phenotype, without changing the underlying DNA sequence. It is well established that the environment and nutrition can regulate methylation and, therefore, modify phenotype. In this review, regulation of DNA methylation and in particular, the influence of B-vitamin on one-carbon metabolism is outlined, and how deficiency or supplementation with B-vitamins, such as folate, can influence disease. Evidence is provided for the roles of B-vitamin in regulating reproduction and how deficiency of B-vitamin may be impacting dairy cattle fertility. Results from our laboratory provide evidence for an association between DNA methylation and gene expression in the endometrium during early pregnancy. It is, therefore, hypothesised that DNA methylation may regulate the uterine response to the embryo during early pregnancy and that aberrant DNA methylation during this time may jeopardise pregnancy success. Further research is required to establish if B-vitamin supplementation can improve reproductive success and if this effect is via changes to DNA methylation and gene expression in the endometrium, or via positive effects on oocyte and embryo development.

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