Is ART changing the epigenetic landscape of imprinting?

Ano: 2010 | Volume: 7 | Número: 3

Autores: W. Mak, J. Weaver, M. Bartolomei

Palavras-chave: assisted reproductive technologies (art), dna methylation, imprinting

Resumo Inglês:

Imprinted genes, which are epigenetically
modified such that only a single parental allele is
expressed, are often regulated by imprinting control
regions (ICRs). ICRs typically are DNA methylated in
the male or female germline and this DNA methylation
is subsequently maintained, even when the genome is
reprogrammed after fertilization. Many of the
manipulations associated with Assisted Reproductive
Technologies (ART) occur during periods of epigenetic
reprogramming and it should, therefore, not be
surprising that animal data show that loss of imprinting
and loss of DNA methylation of ICRs is associated with
procedures such as superovulation, in vitro fertilization
and embryos culture and transfer. Less clear is whether
there is an increase in loss of imprinting disorders
associated with ART. Here we review the human and
animal literature and discuss what it is necessary to
address current controversies.