About this Research Topic

Background

The field of sperm epigenetics is rapidly evolving, with a focus on understanding the epigenetic landscape of spermatozoa and its implications for reproductive health and paternal contributions to embryo development. Current research highlights the role of DNA methylation and RNA cargo in establishing the sperm epigenetic landscape, while the contribution of histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs) is gaining attention. These molecular mechanisms, occurring during spermatogenesis and sperm transit along the epididymal duct, are crucial for producing a male gamete with an epigenetic landscape that supports paternal inheritance. A compromised epigenetic landscape has been linked to poor semen quality and male infertility, emphasizing the importance of a well-established sperm epigenetic code for successful fertilization and embryo development. Despite these advances, the molecular mechanisms underlying the maturation of the male gamete epigenome remain incompletely understood. Factors such as paternal lifestyle, environmental influences, and pathological conditions, including cancer and COVID-19, have been associated with male fertility decline and abnormalities in the sperm epigenome. Additionally, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) and their associated sample preservation and manipulation processes can further compromise the sperm epigenetic landscape, potentially affecting offspring phenotype through impaired paternal epigenetic inheritance. Consequently, there is a growing interest in investigating the establishment of the sperm epigenetic landscape.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms that dictate sperm epigenetic information, thereby extending our understanding of the epigenetic marks of the male gamete. Contributions will also focus on pathophysiological disorders that critically affect the sperm epigenetic code, as well as the relationship between sperm epigenetics and male infertility conditions. By exploring these areas, we seek to elucidate the impact of the paternal epigenetic code on embryo quality, offspring health, and the efficacy of ART techniques.

To gather further insights into the sperm epigenetic landscape and its implications, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Molecular mechanisms underlying sperm epigenetic remodeling during spermatogenesis
• Sperm epigenetic landscape maturation throughout epididymal transit
• The role of paternal epigenetic inheritance in embryo development and offspring health
• The impact of pathophysiological disorders and ART methods on sperm epigenetic information
• The relationship between sperm epigenetic alterations and male infertility conditions

We accept various article types, including Mini-Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives, to foster a diverse and comprehensive exploration of this critical research area. A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this link.

Keywords: sperm epigenetics, spermatogenesis, ARTs, paternal lifestyle, male infertility, fertilization, epigenetic inheritance, offspring health

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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