About this Research Topic
The epigenetic landscape of spermatozoa refers to epigenetic marks potentially acting on the sperm’s molecular quality setting and downstream on the correct offspring development. The main reported molecular actors in the establishment of sperm epigenetic landscape consist of DNA methylation and RNA cargo, whereas the contribution of histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs) is currently emerging. The maturation of sperm epigenome results from molecular mechanisms occurring during spermatogenesis and sperm transit along the epididymal duct. Collectively these mechanisms participate in the production of a male gamete with a potential epigenetic landscape useful for paternal inheritance transmission to the offspring. The paternal epigenome has been also correlated to sperm morpho-functional skills since a compromised epigenetic landscape has been associated with poor-quality semen parameters and male infertility. In addition, the correct establishment of sperm epigenetic code has progressively acquired importance as a putative key factor to guarantee the success of the fertilization process and embryo development.
Paternal epigenetic inheritance is increasingly considered a potential key factor modulating the offspring’s health. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the maturation of male gamete epigenome are not yet fully understood. Several factors may impact sperm epigenetic quality including paternal lifestyle and the environment. In addition, pathological conditions, including cancer and more recently COVID-19, appear to be correlated with male fertility decline and abnormalities in sperm epigenome, leading to an increase in the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) . Moreover, the sample preservation and manipulation in ARTs can also compromise the epigenetic landscape of spermatozoa. Collectively, these phenomena could potentially affect the phenotype of progeny, through an impaired inheritance of paternal epigenetic information. Thus, investigations regarding the establishment of sperm epigenetic landscape are acquiring great interest. The purpose of this Research Topic is to provide a global overview of molecular mechanisms dictating sperm epigenetic information in order to extend our knowledge about epigenetic marks of the male gamete. Contributions with an additional focus on pathophysiological disorders critically affecting epigenetic sperm code are also welcome. Moreover, this collection will also cover the relationship of sperm epigenetics with male infertility conditions, highlighting the impact of paternal epigenetic code on embryo quality, offspring health, and ART techniques.
Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include but are not limited to:
• 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 different article types including Mini-Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives. A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this link.
Paternal epigenetic inheritance is increasingly considered a potential key factor modulating the offspring’s health. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the maturation of male gamete epigenome are not yet fully understood. Several factors may impact sperm epigenetic quality including paternal lifestyle and the environment. In addition, pathological conditions, including cancer and more recently COVID-19, appear to be correlated with male fertility decline and abnormalities in sperm epigenome, leading to an increase in the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) . Moreover, the sample preservation and manipulation in ARTs can also compromise the epigenetic landscape of spermatozoa. Collectively, these phenomena could potentially affect the phenotype of progeny, through an impaired inheritance of paternal epigenetic information. Thus, investigations regarding the establishment of sperm epigenetic landscape are acquiring great interest. The purpose of this Research Topic is to provide a global overview of molecular mechanisms dictating sperm epigenetic information in order to extend our knowledge about epigenetic marks of the male gamete. Contributions with an additional focus on pathophysiological disorders critically affecting epigenetic sperm code are also welcome. Moreover, this collection will also cover the relationship of sperm epigenetics with male infertility conditions, highlighting the impact of paternal epigenetic code on embryo quality, offspring health, and ART techniques.
Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include but are not limited to:
• 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 different article types including Mini-Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives. 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.
