The Effect of Mitochondrial Function on Epigenome and Development in Preimplantation Embryos
JIA Zhenwei*
Mitochondria are important intracellular organelles that undergo dynamic restructuring and redistribution during oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development, necessary to support key developmental events. Mitochondria fulfil a wide range of functions beyond ATP synthesis, including intracellular reactive oxygen species production and the control of calcium homeostasis and signal transduction. Some studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction lead to not only reduce oocyte quality and embryo development, but also contribute to post-implantation failure and adult disease. A growing body of evidence indicates that oocyte and embryo mitochondrial activity and their dynamics have the capacity to establish long-lasting alterations to the epigenetic landscape by regulating availability of metabolic co-factors in modulating the activity of epigenetic modifers. It is proposed that preimplantation embryo development represents a sensitive window during which epigenetic regulation by mitochondria is likely to have signifcant effects on embryo development, and offspring health. Hence, in this paper, we review mitochondrial metabolism function and its effects on epigenome and development of preimplantation embryos, which will offer novel strategies to enhance oocyte quality and embryo development, thereby improving animal fertility.
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