Emerging Roles of Epigenetics in the Control of Reproductive Function: Focus on Central Neuroendocrine Mechanisms

Overview

Journal J Endocr Soc

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2021 Oct 27

PMID 34703958

Citations 9

Authors

Maria Jesus Vazquez

Silvia Daza-Duenas

Manuel Tena-Sempere

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Reproduction is an essential function for perpetuation of the species. As such, it is controlled by sophisticated regulatory mechanisms that allow a perfect match between environmental conditions and internal cues to ensure adequate pubertal maturation and achievement of reproductive capacity. Besides genetic regulatory events, mounting evidence has documented that different epigenetic mechanisms operate at different levels of the reproductive axis to finely tune the development and function of this complex neuroendocrine system along the lifespan. In this mini-review, we summarize recent evidence on the role of epigenetics in the control of reproduction, with special focus on the modulation of the central components of this axis. Particular attention will be paid to the epigenetic control of puberty and Kiss1 neurons because major developments have taken place in this domain recently. In addition, the putative role of central epigenetic mechanisms in mediating the influence of nutritional and environmental cues on reproductive function will be discussed.

Citing Articles

Genetics and Epigenetics of Human Pubertal Timing: The Contribution of Genes Associated With Central Precocious Puberty.

Canton A, Macedo D, Abreu A, Latronico A J Endocr Soc. 2025; 9(2):bvae228.

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Insights into pubertal development: a narrative review on the role of epigenetics.

Shulhai A, Munerati A, Menzella M, Palanza P, Esposito S, Street M J Endocrinol Invest. 2024; .

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Understanding the genetic complexity of puberty timing across the allele frequency spectrum.

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The Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Metabolism and Endocrinology.

Sibuh B, Quazi S, Panday H, Parashar R, Jha N, Mathur R Biology (Basel). 2023; 12(2).

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Molecular basis of normal and pathological puberty: from basic mechanisms to clinical implications.

Argente J, Dunkel L, Kaiser U, Latronico A, Lomniczi A, Soriano-Guillen L Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2023; 11(3):203-216.

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