BACKGROUND Over the past few years, advances in molecular technologies have allowed
unprecedented mapping of epigenetic modifications in gametes and during early embryonic …

Mammalian fertilization begins with the fusion of two specialized gametes, followed by major
epigenetic remodeling leading to the formation of a totipotent embryo. During the …

Gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis) is accompanied by the acquisition of
gender-specific epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and …

Several types of epigenetic marks facilitate the complex patterning required for normal
human development. These epigenetic marks include DNA methylation at CpG …

Drastic epigenetic reprogramming takes place during preimplantation development, leading
to the conversion of terminally differentiated gametes to a totipotent embryo. Deficiencies in …

Although genetic mutations have long been known to influence gene expression and
individual phenotype, studies emerging over the past decade indicate that such changes …

Epigenetic modifications serve as an extension of the information content by which the
underlying genetic code may be interpreted. These modifications mark genomic regions and …

Embryonic development is a complex and dynamic process with frequent changes in gene
expression, ultimately leading to cellular differentiation and commitment of various cell lines …

The acquisition of genomic DNA methylation patterns, including those important for
development, begins in the germ line. In particular, imprinted genes are differentially marked …

Fertilization is a very dynamic period of comprehensive chromatin remodeling, from which
two specialized cells result in a totipotent zygote. The formation of a totipotent cell requires …