The Embryo and Its Future1

The preimplantation mammalian embryo from different species appears sensitive to the environment in which it develops, either in vitro or in vivo, for example, in response to culture conditions or maternal diet. This sensitivity may lead to long-term alterations in the characteristics of fetal and/o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biology of reproduction 2004-10, Vol.71 (4), p.1046-1054
Main Authors: Fleming, Tom P, Kwong, Wing Yee, Porter, Richard, Ursell, Elizabeth, Fesenko, Irina, Wilkins, Adrian, Miller, Daniel J, Watkins, Adam J, Eckert, Judith J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
conceptus
Contents
early development
embryo
epigenetics
female reproductive tract
fetal and postnatal development
gene expression regulation
metabolism
pregnancy
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Summary:The preimplantation mammalian embryo from different species appears sensitive to the environment in which it develops, either in vitro or in vivo, for example, in response to culture conditions or maternal diet. This sensitivity may lead to long-term alterations in the characteristics of fetal and/or postnatal growth and phenotype, which have implications for clinical health and biotechnological applications. We review the breadth of environmental influences that may affect early embryos and their responses to such conditions along epigenetic, metabolic, cellular, and physiological directions. In addition, we evaluate how embryo environmental responses may influence developmental potential and phenotype during later gestation. We conclude that a complex of different mechanisms may operate to associate early embryo environment with future health.
ISSN:0006-3363
1529-7268
DOI:10.1095/biolreprod.104.030957