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Impact of the periconceptional environment on the programming of adult disease

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 December 2009

A. J. Watkins ,
E. S. Lucas  and
T. P. Fleming
A. J. Watkins*
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK
E. S. Lucas
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK
T. P. Fleming
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK
*
Address for correspondence: A. J. Watkins, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK. (Email ajw7@soton.ac.uk)
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Abstract

The periconceptional period of mammalian development has been identified as an early ‘developmental window’ during which environmental conditions may influence the pattern of future growth and physiology. Studies in humans and animal models have revealed that factors such as maternal nutritional status or in vitro culture and manipulation of developing gametes and preimplantation embryos can impact upon the long-term health and physiology of the offspring. However, the mechanisms involved in the programming of adult disease in response to altered periconceptional development require increased investigation. The role of epigenetic modifications to DNA and chromatin organisation has been identified as a likely mechanism through which environmental perturbations can affect gene expression patterns resulting in phenotypic change. This study will highlight the sensitivity of two critical stages in early mammalian development, gametogenesis and preimplantation development. We will detail how changes to the immediate environment can not only impact upon developmental processes taking place at that time, but can also affect long-term aspects of offspring health and physiology. We will also discuss the emerging role of epigenetics as a mechanistic link between the environment and the later phenotype of the developing organism.

Keywords

DNA methylation, epigenetics, in vitro culture, maternal diet, preimplantation embryo development
Type
Review
Information
Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , Volume 1 , Issue 2 , April 2010 , pp. 87 - 95
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and the International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease 2009

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