The Role of Mitochondria in Oocyte and Early Embryo Health

Abstract

The mitochondria of the oocyte are a prominent source of energy metabolism as well as mitochondrial DNA that will later populate the cells of the offspring. Recent discoveries provided new insight into the physiology of the mitochondria and its unique genetics. The concept of heteroplasmy defined as the presence of more than one type of mitochondrial genome, is gaining increasing recognition as an important contributor to several complex morbidities, age-related reproductive dysfunction and aging. Understanding the changes caused by pathogenic mutations as well as identifying defects occurring during reproductive aging will enhance our knowledge of the role of mitochondria as organelles in germ cell biology. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the role of mitochondria in embryo and fetal development.