The embryo and its future.
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.
Fleming
Tom P
TP
School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 7PX, United Kingdom. tpf@soton.ac.uk
Kwong
Wing Yee
WY
Porter
Richard
R
Ursell
Elizabeth
E
Fesenko
Irina
I
Wilkins
Adrian
A
Miller
Daniel J
DJ
Watkins
Adam J
AJ
Eckert
Judith J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology; D018392:Genomic Imprinting / Q000502:physiology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D008322:Mammals / Q000196:embryology*; D023421:Models, Animal; D009024:Morphogenesis; D010641:Phenotype; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D039401:Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D013045:Species Specificity