Germ cell quality is a key prerequisite for successful fertilization and early embryo
development. The quality is determined by the fine regulation of transcriptomic and …

The advent of the epigenetic era has sparked a new frontier in molecular research and the
understanding of how development can be regulated beyond direct alterations of the …

The ovulation of a mature oocyte at metaphase II of meiosis, with optimal potential to
undergo fertilisation by a sperm cell, complete meiosis and sustain the switch to mitotic …

There has been a significant increase in the use of assisted reproductive therapies (ARTs)
over the past several decades, allowing many couples with infertility to conceive. Despite the …

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are successfully applied in several mammals,
including humans, thanks to the ability of oocytes and embryos to face maturation …

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) lead to an increased risk for pregnancy
complications, congenital abnormalities, and specific imprinting disorders. Epigenetic …

The periconception period starts 6 months before conception and lasts until the tenth week
of gestation. In this chapter, we will focus on epigenetic modifications to DNA and gene …

BACKGROUND The first week of human embryonic development comprises a series of
events that change highly specialized germ cells into undifferentiated human embryonic …

A highly complex pattern of differentiation involving maternal and embryonic factors
characterizes the early development of mammalian embryos. These complex genetic and …

ABSTRACT A vast array of successive epigenetic modifications ensures the creation of a
healthy individual. Crucial epigenetic reprogramming events occur during germ cell …