Research Highlights: Highlights from the latest articles in advances in the understanding of sperm epigenetics

Epigenomics ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-24
Author(s):  
Douglas T Carrell
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Epigenetics

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 The preconception environment and sperm epigenetics

Andrology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 924-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Marcho ◽  
Oladele A. Oluwayiose ◽  
J. Richard Pilsner
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Epigenetics

Sperm Epigenetics and Its Impact on Male Fertility, Pregnancy Loss, and Somatic Health of Future Offsprings

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (03/04) ◽  
pp. 233-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Hotaling ◽  
Yetunde Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Early Embryo Development ◽  
Somatic Health ◽  
Epigenetic Programming ◽  
Unique Nature ◽  
Sperm Epigenetics

AbstractSperm epigenetic programming is tailored to meet the need of this specialized cell, which include its interaction with the oocyte during fertilization and early embryo development. The unique nature of the sperm epigenome has resulted in multiple studies investigating how perturbations in epigenetics might impact male fertility and early embryo development. In addition, sperm epigenetics appear to be altered by specific environmental exposures, which could provide a link for investigating the role of these triggers in somatic health of off springs produced. This has the potential of explaining otherwise missing heritability factors seen with several diseases. While this field of investigation is new and with limited validation, it is intriguing and further studies are warranted.

scholarly journals Sperm epigenetics and aging

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (S3) ◽  
pp. S328-S335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy G. Jenkins ◽  
Kenneth I. Aston ◽  
Douglas T. Carrell
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Epigenetics

scholarly journals Sperm DNA methylation altered by THC and nicotine: Vulnerability of neurodevelopmental genes with bivalent chromatin

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Schrott ◽  
Maya Rajavel ◽  
Kelly Acharya ◽  
Zhiqing Huang ◽  
Chaitanya Acharya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Oral Gavage ◽  
Reduced Representation ◽  
Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Bisulfite Sequencing Data ◽  
Sperm Epigenetics ◽  
Sperm Dna Methylation ◽  
Active Genes

Abstract Men consume the most nicotine and cannabis products but impacts on sperm epigenetics are poorly characterized. Evidence suggests that preconception exposure to these drugs alters offspring neurodevelopment. Epigenetics may in part facilitate heritability. We therefore compared effects of exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and nicotine on DNA methylation in rat sperm at genes involved in neurodevelopment. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing data from sperm of rats exposed to THC via oral gavage showed that seven neurodevelopmentally active genes were significantly differentially methylated versus controls. Pyrosequencing data revealed majority overlap in differential methylation in sperm from rats exposed to THC via injection as well as those exposed to nicotine. Neurodevelopmental genes including autism candidates are vulnerable to environmental exposures and common features may mediate this vulnerability. We discovered that autism candidate genes are significantly enriched for bivalent chromatin structure, suggesting this configuration may increase vulnerability of genes in sperm to disrupted methylation.

Semen Analysis: Assaying Sperm Epigenetics

2018 ◽  
pp. 117-123
Author(s):  
Millissia Ben Maamar ◽  
Ingrid Sadler-Riggleman ◽  
Michael K. Skinner
Keyword(s):  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Epigenetics

scholarly journals Sperm epigenetics and influence of environmental factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Donkin ◽  
Romain Barrès
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Sperm Epigenetics
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