title: Environmental Influences on Genomic Imprinting.
abstract: Genomic imprinting refers to the epigenetic mechanism that results in the mono-allelic expression of a subset of genes in a parent-of-origin manner. These haploid genes are highly active in the placenta and are functionally implicated in the appropriate development of the fetus. Furthermore, the epigenetic marks regulating imprinted expression patterns are established early in development. These characteristics make genomic imprinting a potentially useful biomarker for environmental insults, especially during the in utero or early development stages, and for health outcomes later in life. Herein, we critically review the current literature regarding environmental influences on imprinted genes and summarize findings that suggest that imprinted loci are sensitive to known teratogenic agents, such as alcohol and tobacco, as well as less established factors with the potential to manipulate the in utero environment, including assisted reproductive technology. Finally, we discuss the potential of genomic imprinting to serve as an environmental sensor during early development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1057, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kappil
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1057, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA ; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1057, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lambertini
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1057, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1057, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA ; Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1057, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA ; Department of Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1057, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
authors.forename: Jia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D019175:DNA Methylation; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000235:genetics; D018392:Genomic Imprinting; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
keywords: early development; environmental exposures; epigenetic regulation; genomic imprinting; placenta