DNA Methylation Patterns in the Early Human Embryo and the Epigenetic/Imprinting Problems: A Plea for a More Careful Approach to Human Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

An increasing number of publications indicate that babies born after IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedures have higher rates of anomalies related to imprinting/epigenetic changes, which may be attributed to suboptimal culture conditions. Appropriate maintenance of DNA methylation during the first few days of an in vitro culture requires a supply of methyl donors, which are lacking in current in vitro culture systems. The absence of protection...