The embryo and its future

Tom P. Fleming, Wing Yee Kwong, Richard Porter, Elizabeth Ursell, Irina Fesenko, Adrian Wilkins, Daniel J. Miller, Adam J. Watkins, Judith J. Eckert

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1046-1054
Number of pages9
JournalBiology of Reproduction
Volume71
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2004

Keywords

  • conceptus
  • early development
  • embryo
  • epigenetics
  • female reproductive tract
  • fetal and postnatal development
  • gene expression regulation
  • metabolism
  • pregnancy

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