Chromatin role in early programming of embryos

Abstract

Normal embryo development depends on many molecular events that include changes in the chromatin structure, epigenetic modifications, DNA damage repair, expression of transcription factors, and the coordination of cell cycle progression and cell differentiation. • Failures in the proper regulation of one or more events of early development may result in embryo arrest, which often occurs around the oocyte to embryo transition when the embryo genome is activated, or in embryos that may have lower potential for full development and production of healthy offspring. • The complete elucidation of the early embryo programming regulation has effectual implications on fertility, animal conservation, animal production, animal breeding programs, the success of in vitro embryo technologies, and the reprogramming of cells to a totipotent state.