Alexander’s Library

The search for the elixir of youth — what the record says, and how strongly. Double-click any word for an instant dictionary or scientific synopsis.

Library / Natural & Life Sciences / Medicine, Health & Longevity / Reproductive Medicine & Human Fertility / Translational & Geroprotective Reproductive Biology

Germ Cell Epigenetic Reprogramming

Examination of the molecular mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modification, that regulate the rejuvenation or restoration of competency in aged gametes.

98 sources ↓Last researched 2026-10-20

Germ Cell Epigenetic Rejuvenation

Molecular mechanisms of epigenetic drift, imprinting stability, and gamete restoration in reproductive aging

Synopsis · Executive Overview

Aged gametes suffer from progressive epigenetic drift, characterized by altered DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling. While natural biological rejuvenation occurs during early embryogenesis and primordial germ cell specification, clinical attempts to reverse epigenetic aging face formidable barriers. Experimental interventions target metabolic pathways and maternal factors, yet translating these findings requires overcoming significant heterogeneity in vitro.

Section I · Epigenetic Landscape of Aging

Progressive Epigenetic Alterations in Gametes

Mammalian life cycle progression depends on two global waves of epigenetic reprogramming: one occurring during pre-implantation development in the zygote, and the other during the development of primordial germ cells (PGCs). However, advancing maternal and paternal age disrupts these finely tuned processes. Aging is marked by progressive epigenetic alterations, including aberrant DNA methylation changes, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling.

Specific maternal DNA methylation imprints, such as those at the Snrpn, Mest, and Peg3 loci, are established asynchronously during postnatal oogenesis. Disruptions from advanced age or clinical interventions like superovulation can compromise these imprints, leading to improper gene dosage regulation in subsequent generations.

Section II · Mechanisms of Decline

Histone Modifications and Maternal Factors

At the molecular level, oocyte aging involves specific enzymatic and structural failures. For instance, histone H3K4 trimethylation levels decrease during oocyte aging due to reduced expression of CXXC1 and other essential epigenetic factors, directly impairing maternal mRNA clearance and developmental competence.

Additionally, maternal effect factors such as ZAR1 and ZAR2 regulate oocyte epigenetic maturation. Aged mice and women exhibit downregulated ZAR1 and ZAR2 levels accompanied by defective histone modifications, identifying these proteins as critical nodes in the maintenance of reproductive competency.

Section III · Therapeutic Frontiers

Targeted Rejuvenation and In Vitro Limitations

Efforts to reverse gamete aging have increasingly focused on mitochondrial and metabolic support. Mitochondrial-targeted peptides like SS-31 improve aged oocyte maturation, spindle structure, and embryo development by restoring mitochondrial bioenergetics, reducing reactive oxygen species, and altering maternal transcripts.

In parallel, modeling human germ cell development using human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) reveals that extended in vitro culture systems induce only partial and heterogeneous DNA methylation erasure, driven by reduced DNMT1-mediated maintenance. These findings underscore the challenge of achieving true epigenetic rejuvenation without introducing artificial epimutations.

Evidence Hierarchy (Graded Claims)

  • T1Synthesis of trials
    3 (21%)
  • T2Randomised trial
    0 (0%)
  • T3Observational, large
    4 (29%)
  • T4Observational, small or case-based
    1 (7%)
  • T5Preclinical or mechanistic
    3 (21%)
  • T6Opinion, news or unverified
    3 (21%)
13 settled1 debated0 contested / frontier

Study Designs in Indexed Literature

  • Meta-analyses, Systematic Reviews & Guidelines32 (33%)
  • Prospective Cohorts & Clinical Registries9 (9%)
  • Observational & Clinical Case Series4 (4%)
  • Preclinical, Cellular & Computational Models4 (4%)
  • Primary Literature & Archive Records49 (50%)

Publication Timeline Velocity

Fig. 1 — Field Evidence Architecture & Publication Trajectory. Distribution of methodological study designs (98 indexed publications) and 14 extracted claims graded from T1 (meta-analyses and guidelines) to T6.

Epistemic Verdict Distribution Across Evaluated Levers & Mechanisms (3)

Trial only1 lever (33%)
Lab only2 levers (67%)
Fig. 2 — Intervention & Mechanism Epistemic Calibration. Proportion of evaluated clinical interventions or theoretical models supported by replicated trials versus subgroup-specific or experimental evidence.
Primary Citations & Landmark Studies

Key Studies Anchoring This Monograph

Synthesis & Conclusions

State of the Field Conclusions

The translational study of germ cell epigenetic reprogramming bridges basic developmental biology and advanced geroscience. While metabolic interventions and maternal factor research offer mechanistic insight into oocyte restoration, clinical application remains limited by incomplete in vitro reprogramming and the risk of imprinting disorders. Future investigations must prioritize single-cell multi-omic resolution to safely navigate gamete rejuvenation.

Key Quantitative Takeaways

  • Epigenetic reprogramming occurs globally during PGC development and pre-implantation embryogenesis (T1, Settled).
  • Aging drives progressive DNA methylation changes and histone modifications that impair gamete competency (T1, Settled).
  • Mitochondrial-targeted peptides such as SS-31 improve aged oocyte maturation and spindle structure preclinically (T3, Settled).
  • In vitro human primordial germ cell-like cells display heterogeneous and incomplete DNA methylation erasure due to altered DNMT1 maintenance (T5, Settled).
Two global waves

Major epigenetic reprogramming phases during mammalian development (PGC specification and pre-implantation embryos)

Smith & Reik 2012

Asynchronous

Timing of maternal DNA methylation imprints (e.g., Snrpn, Mest, Peg3) established during postnatal oogenesis

Lucifero et al. 2004

Where each lever applies

A graded decision ledger of interventions across clinical subgroups. Each row names its best landmark evidence, measured effect, clinical reading, and epistemic verdict.

Supported: RCT live-birth gainTargeted: specific subgroupGuideline: clinical consensusWeak: inconsistent/unproven gainNot supported: RCTs show no gainTrial: human trial in progressLab: preclinical / cell dish

Cellular & Metabolic Support

Lever & MechanismBest Landmark EvidenceMeasured Effect & Clinical ReadingVerdict
Mitochondrial-targeted peptides (e.g., SS-31)

Restores mitochondrial bioenergetics, reduces reactive oxygen species, and mitigates downstream epigenetic and transcriptomic aberrations in aged oocytes.

Preclinical murine oocyte studies (2026)

Effect: Improved maturation rates, spindle structure, and embryo development

Clinical reading: Indirectly supports nuclear and epigenetic preservation by rescuing metabolic deficits associated with cellular aging.

Trial only

Oocyte Competence

Lever & MechanismBest Landmark EvidenceMeasured Effect & Clinical ReadingVerdict
ZAR1 / ZAR2 Maternal Factor Reconstitution

Restoring downstream maternal effect proteins to correct defective histone modifications and mRNA clearance in aged oocytes.

Preclinical murine models and human expression analyses (2025)

Effect: Partial restoration of oocyte epigenetic maturation and transcriptional control

Clinical reading: Targeted mechanistic approach; currently limited to experimental biology and unproven in clinical settings.

Lab only

In Vitro Gametogenesis

Lever & MechanismBest Landmark EvidenceMeasured Effect & Clinical ReadingVerdict
Controlled In Vitro PGC Culture Systems

Generation of human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) to model epigenetic erasure via DNMT1 modulation.

In vitro human stem cell studies (2025)

Effect: Partial and heterogeneous DNA methylation erasure observed

Clinical reading: Highlights the difficulty of replicating complete germline epigenetic reprogramming in vitro.

Lab only

Questions for specialist consultations

High-yield clinical and laboratory inquiries directly derived from the evidence record.

  1. To what extent do assisted reproductive technologies or ovarian stimulation protocols alter physiological DNA methylation imprints in retrieved oocytes?
  2. Are there validated clinical biomarkers for oocyte epigenetic competency currently available outside of research laboratories?
  3. How do mitochondrial adjunct therapies impact downstream epigenetic stability in clinical pre-implantation embryos?

Queued for next research sweep

Frontier clinical trials, emerging biology, and targeted subgroup outcomes tracked by the autonomous research worker.

  • Single-cell multi-omic profiling of human oocyte aging and histone modification dynamics
  • Transcriptional and epigenetic tracking of human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) in optimized 3D culture
  • Long-term developmental safety and genomic stability following metabolic and mitochondrial peptide intervention in aged gametes
Historical timeline (1 milestone, 2021–2021)
  1. 2021

    Discovery of Natural Rejuvenation During Embryogenesis via Epigenetic Clocks

    Application of multi-tissue epigenetic clocks revealed a measurable drop in biological age during early prenatal development in mice and humans.

Evidence by study design (14 findings across T1–T6)

Strongest support first. The bar beside each finding shows its grade.

Synthesis of trials

  1. #1 Epigenetic reprogramming occurs globally at two main stages in the mammalian life cycle: during pre-implantation development in the zygote and during the development of primordial germ cells (PGCs).

    Reprogramming DNA methylation in the mammalian life cycle: building … (2012); DNA methylation dynamics during the mammalian life cycle (2012)

    Defines the precise natural windows of epigenetic resetting in the mammalian germline.

  2. #2 Aging is characterized by progressive epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation changes, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling, which can potentially be alleviated by epigenetic reprogramming strategies.

    Epigenetic deciphering of ovarian aging: multilayer interactive mech… (2026); Epigenetics drives oocyte aging: from mechanisms to interventions (2026); Epigenetic regulation of aging: implications for interventions of ag… (2022)

    Establishes the foundation of epigenetic aging and the rationale for epigenetic rejuvenation interventions.

  3. #3 Advanced maternal age and assisted reproductive technologies alter the oocyte epigenome, including global and imprinted DNA methylation and histone modifications.

    Transcriptomic integrity of human oocytes used in ARTs: technical an… (2024); The effects of superovulation and reproductive aging on the epigenom… (2017)

    Demonstrates that environmental and intrinsic age factors systematically dysregulate chromatin-based processes in oocytes.

Observational, large

  1. #4 Maternal DNA methylation imprints (such as in Snrpn, Mest, and Peg3) are established asynchronously during the postnatal growth phase of oogenesis in mice and humans.

    Aberrant DNA methylation of imprinted loci in superovulated oocytes. (2007); Gene-specific timing and epigenetic memory in oocyte imprinting (2004); Methylation dynamics of imprinted genes in mouse germ cells. (2002)

    Highlights the vulnerability and specific timing of epigenetic imprint acquisition in female gametes, which is relevant to assisted reproductive technologies.

  2. #5 Postnatal male germline stem cells display dynamic DNA methylation patterns, including transient loss of imprinting in mesenchymal-like spermatogonia that is fully restored prior to puberty.

    Transcription and imprinting dynamics in developing postnatal male g… (2015)

    Highlights developmental plasticity and epigenetic reprogramming events in male germ cells.

  3. #6 Mitochondrial-targeted peptides like SS-31 improve aged oocyte maturation, spindle structure, and embryo development by restoring mitochondrial function, reducing ROS, and altering maternal transcripts.

    SS-31 improves the quality of maternally aged oocytes by amelioratin… (2026)

    Demonstrates therapeutic restoration of competency in aged maternal gametes.

  4. #7 Parental exposure to changing environmental conditions such as ocean warming leads to temperature-sensitive epigenetic reprogramming and altered expression of chromatin-modifying enzymes across gametogenesis.

    Windows of opportunity: Ocean warming shapes temperature-sensitive e… (2022)

    Shows that environmental stressors impact epigenetic re-establishment in non-mammalian marine models.

Observational, small or case-based

  1. #8 Superovulation protocols can disrupt proper primary epigenetic imprinting in mammalian oocytes, leading to abnormal DNA methylation patterns.

    Aberrant DNA methylation of imprinted loci in superovulated oocytes. (2007)

    Demonstrates iatrogenic disruption of germ cell epigenetic reprogramming.

Preclinical or mechanistic

  1. #9 Mammalian oocytes store essential maternal proteins, including those controlling epigenetic reprogramming of the preimplantation embryo, on cytoplasmic lattices composed of PADI6 and subcortical maternal complex proteins.

    Mammalian oocytes store proteins for the early embryo on cytoplasmic… (2023)

    Demonstrates the structural storage mechanisms required for maternal control of embryonic epigenetic programming.

  2. #10 Using multi-tissue epigenetic clocks, studies show a significant decrease in biological age (natural rejuvenation) during early embryogenesis in both mice and humans.

    Epigenetic clocks reveal a rejuvenation event during embryogenesis f… (2021)

    Provides quantitative molecular clock evidence of germline or early embryonic rejuvenation events.

  3. #11 In extended in vitro culture systems, human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) undergo partial and heterogeneous DNA methylation erasure driven by reduced DNMT1-mediated maintenance.

    DebatedJoint profiling of 5mC, 5hmC, and the transcriptome in single cells … (2025)

    Identifies molecular barriers and drivers (like DND1 and SOX15) in in vitro gametogenesis maturation.

Opinion, news or unverified

  1. #12 Histone H3K4 trimethylation levels decrease during oocyte aging due to reduced expression of CXXC1 and other epigenetic factors, impairing maternal mRNA clearance and developmental competence.

    Dynamic mRNA degradome analyses indicate a role of histone H3K4 trim… (2022)

    Identifies a molecular link between H3K4me3 maintenance, mRNA degradation, and oocyte deterioration.

  2. #13 ZAR1 and ZAR2 maternal factors regulate oocyte epigenetic maturation, where aged mice and women show downregulated ZAR1/2 levels accompanied by defective histone modifications.

    ZAR1/2-Regulated Epigenetic Modifications are Essential for Age-Asso… (2025)

    Links maternal aging and ZAR1/2 protein reduction to compromised epigenetic regulation in oocytes.

  3. #14 DNA methylation is dynamically remodeled during male gametogenesis, with non-CG methylation enhanced in microspores and decreased in sperm via specific methyltransferases and histone demethylases.

    DNA methylation remodeling and the functional implication during mal… (2024)

    Clarifies epigenetic reprogramming schedules and enzymatic controls during male germ cell development.

Where the record disagrees (1 controversy)
  • Whether early embryogenesis and in vitro culture models achieve true rejuvenation or merely reset specific epigenetic clocks while accumulating other epimutations remains heavily debated.

    Findings #10, #11

Node lineage & crossover disciplines

Parent lineage, active node, direct child sub-branches, and associated crossover disciplines across the Tree of Knowledge.

+ Associated nodes:

Branches

  • Cellular Reprogramming Techniques Utilization of induced pluripotency factors and small molecules to reset the epigenetic clock in germ cells.
  • Epigenetic Reprogramming Molecular mechanisms involving DNA demethylation and histone remodeling during primordial germ cell development and gametogenesis.
  • Gametic Aging Accumulation of epigenetic errors and transcriptional dysregulation in oocytes and spermatozoa associated with chronological age.
  • Germline Chromatin Remodeling Characterization of the specific histone modifications that maintain genomic stability and totipotency during maturation.
  • Oxidative Stress and Epigenetic Inheritance Investigation into how metabolic aging influences the epigenetic landscape of gametes and potential transgenerational effects.
AI Tree OrganiserExpand Germ Cell Epigenetic Reprogramming

Branches are never named or placed manually. Ask any scientific question — AI decomposes multi-part inquiries into one, two, three, or more canonical sub-branches and places each under its proper discipline.

Public archive: please keep questions to general scientific concepts (no names, dates of birth, or personal health identifiers). Privacy & copyright.

Auto-classifies taxonomy & cross-links
Primary indexed sources (98)

Primary scientific literature, systematic reviews, and clinical trial registrations indexed for this branch.

  1. Epigenetic deciphering of ovarian aging: multilayer interactive mechanisms and targeted reversal strategies. — Zhang Y, Yang Y, Liao Q et al. Epigenetics & chromatin, 2026, systematic review, 1 citations · DOI: 10.1186/s13072-026-00664-3
  2. Dynamics and inheritance of the paternal epigenome. — Bourguet P, Jullien PE Current opinion in plant biology, 2026, systematic review · DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2026.102984
  3. Epigenetics drives oocyte aging: from mechanisms to interventions — Hui Jia, Jiawei Zhou, Binbin Ma et al. npj Aging, 2026, systematic review · DOI: 10.1038/s41514-026-00462-x
  4. Ethical considerations and management strategies for fertility preservation in women of reproductive age with malignant tumors: Chinese practices and perspectives — Ke Wang, Shihui Wang, Jianjiang Gao et al. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026, systematic review · DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1798693
  5. Of atoms, bricks and cells: A historical critique of historical criticisms of classical cell theory — Ariane Dröscher Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A, 2026, systematic review · DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2026.102124
  6. Premeiotic chromatin states orchestrate gene expression during male gametogenesis in rice. — Zhu B, Zhao F, Liu Q et al. Genome biology, 2026, cohort · DOI: 10.1186/s13059-026-04129-4
  7. Epigenetic Regulation Links Bacterial Signaling to Growth and Reproductive Development in the Green Macroalga Ulva compressa (Chlorophyta). — Otto JFM, Holbl H, Ueberschaar N et al. Marine biotechnology (New York, N.Y.), 2026, cross sectional · DOI: 10.1007/s10126-026-10595-5
  8. SS-31 improves the quality of maternally aged oocytes by ameliorating mitochondrial function and metabolism. — Xiong D, Zhang Y, Wei J et al. Journal of ovarian research, 2026, cohort · DOI: 10.1186/s13048-026-01975-5
  9. ZAR1/2-Regulated Epigenetic Modifications are Essential for Age-Associated Oocyte Quality Maintenance and Zygotic Activation. — Rong Y, Wu YK, Chen Y et al. Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany), 2025, unknown, 12 citations · DOI: 10.1002/advs.202410305
  10. A single factor for safer cellular rejuvenation — Lucas Paulo de Lima Camillo, Rihab Gam, Katsiaryna Maskalenka et al. bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), 2025, unknown, 5 citations · DOI: 10.1101/2025.06.05.657370
  11. Induction of germline-like cells (PGCLCs) — Jaba Tkemaladze Longevity Horizon, 2025, systematic review, 1 citations · DOI: 10.65649/faca1a76
  12. Joint profiling of 5mC, 5hmC, and the transcriptome in single cells identifies factors responsible for genome-wide DNA methylation erasure in human primordial germ cell maturation — Chialastri A, Heom KA, Gell JJ et al. bioRxiv, 2025, computational · DOI: 10.1101/2025.04.01.646736
  13. Genetic and epigenetic alterations in aging and rejuvenation of human — Kyunghyuk Park, Min Chul Jeon, Dakyung Lee et al. Molecules and Cells, 2024, systematic review, 27 citations · DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100137
  14. DNA methylation remodeling and the functional implication during male gametogenesis in rice — Xue Li, Bo Zhu, Yue Lu et al. Genome biology, 2024, unknown, 24 citations · DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03222-w
  15. The current socioeconomic and regulatory landscape of immune effector cell therapies — Chiranjeevi Sainatham, Devvrat Yadav, Aravind Dilli Babu et al. Frontiers in Medicine, 2024, unknown, 24 citations · DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1462307
  16. Transcriptomic integrity of human oocytes used in ARTs: technical and intrinsic factor effects. — Ducreux B, Patrat C, Trasler J et al. Human reproduction update, 2024, systematic review, 22 citations · DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad025
  17. Breast Cancer Exposomics. — Neagu AN, Jayaweera T, Corrice L et al. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 2024, 10 citations · DOI: 10.3390/life14030402
  18. The Phoenix of stem cells: pluripotent cells in adult tissues and peripheral blood — Ranieri Cancedda, Maddalena Mastrogiacomo Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2024, 7 citations · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1414156
  19. MiR-425-5p suppression of Crebzf regulates oocyte aging via chromatin modification. — Jueraitetibaike K, Tang T, Ma R et al. GeroScience, 2024, 7 citations · DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00875-6
  20. Meiosis as a mechanism for epigenetic reprogramming and cellular rejuvenation — Frédéric Berger Development, 2024, 6 citations · DOI: 10.1242/dev.203046
  21. REPRODUCTIVE AGEING: Altered histone modification landscapes underpin defects in uterine stromal cell decidualization in aging females. — Woods L, Dean W, Hemberger M Reproduction (Cambridge, England), 2024, 6 citations · DOI: 10.1530/rep-24-0171
  22. Dynamics of DNA Methylation During Gametogenesis: Insights and Detection Methods — Gangadhara Doggalli, D. S. Shailaja, S. Vaibava Keerthana et al. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 2024 · DOI: 10.9734/jabb/2024/v27i71057
  23. Transform the Information Landscape Applying Waddington Landscape to Information Theory of Aging and Epigenetic Rejuvenation — Yue Wu bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), 2024 · DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.20.604423
  24. Mammalian oocytes store proteins for the early embryo on cytoplasmic lattices — Ida Marie Astad Jentoft, Felix J.B. Bäuerlein, Luisa M. Welp et al. Cell, 2023, in vitro, 138 citations · DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.10.003
  25. Deciphering the Warburg Effect: Metabolic Reprogramming, Epigenetic Remodeling, and Cell Dedifferentiation — Albert Mao Li, Jiangbin Ye Annual Review of Cancer Biology, 2023, systematic review, 32 citations · DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-062822-120857
  26. Aged mesenchymal stem cells and inflammation: from pathology to potential therapeutic strategies — Xue Feng Yang, Ying Wang, Valentina Rovella et al. Biology Direct, 2023, systematic review, 27 citations · DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00394-6
  27. Prospects for fertility preservation: the ovarian organ function reconstruction techniques for oogenesis, growth and maturation in vitro — Bai Hu, Renjie Wang, Di Wu et al. Frontiers in Physiology, 2023, systematic review, 18 citations · DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1177443
  28. Bridging the Gap: Animal Models in Next-Generation Reproductive Technologies for Male Fertility Preservation — Pedro Manuel Aponte, Miguel A. Gutiérrez-Reinoso, Manuel García‐Herreros Life, 2023, systematic review, 18 citations · DOI: 10.3390/life14010017
  29. Melatonin ameliorates histone modification disorders in mammalian aged oocytes by neutralizing the alkylation of HDAC1. — He Y, Gao M, Yang W et al. Free radical biology & medicine, 2023, 17 citations · DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.08.023
  30. Harnessing male germline epigenomics for the genetic improvement in cattle — Xiao Qin Wang, Wenlong Li, Xia Feng et al. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology/Journal of animal science and biotechnology, 2023, 14 citations · DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00874-9
  31. Differential susceptibility of male and female germ cells to glucocorticoid-mediated signaling — Steven A. Cincotta, Nainoa Richardson, Mariko H. Foecke et al. eLife, 2023, 6 citations · DOI: 10.7554/elife.90164
  32. Differential susceptibility of male and female germ cells to glucocorticoid-mediated signaling — Steven A. Cincotta, Nainoa Richardson, Mariko H. Foecke et al. eLife, 2023 · DOI: 10.7554/elife.90164.1
  33. Differential susceptibility of male and female germ cells to glucocorticoid-mediated signaling — Steven A. Cincotta, Nainoa Richardson, Mariko H. Foecke et al. bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), 2023 · DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.30.547215
  34. Epigenetic regulation of aging: implications for interventions of aging and diseases — Wang Kang, Huicong Liu, Qinchao Hu et al. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2022, unknown, 669 citations · DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01211-8
  35. Windows of opportunity: Ocean warming shapes temperature-sensitive epigenetic reprogramming and gene expression across gametogenesis and embryogenesis in marine stickleback. — Fellous A, Wegner KM, John U et al. Global change biology, 2022, cohort, 34 citations · DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15942
  36. Dynamic mRNA degradome analyses indicate a role of histone H3K4 trimethylation in association with meiosis-coupled mRNA decay in oocyte aging — Yun‐Wen Wu, Sen Li, Wei Zheng et al. Nature Communications, 2022, unknown, 32 citations · DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30928-x
  37. The combination of DNA methylome and transcriptome revealed the intergenerational inheritance on the influence of advanced maternal age. — Hua L, Chen W, Meng Y et al. Clinical and translational medicine, 2022, 12 citations · DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.990
  38. FAM111A Is a Novel Molecular Marker for Oocyte Aging — Huixia Yang, Thomas Kolben, Mirjana Kessler et al. Biomedicines, 2022, 3 citations · DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020257
  39. The machine-like repair of aging. Disentangling the key assumptions of the SENS agenda — Pablo García‐Barranquero, Marta Bertolaso THEORIA An International Journal for Theory History and Foundations of Science, 2022, 1 citations · DOI: 10.1387/theoria.23544
  40. Epigenetics of Aging and Aging-Associated Diseases — Dominik Saul, Robyn Laura Kosinsky International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021, systematic review, 232 citations · DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010401
  41. Mechanisms of Oocyte Maturation and Related Epigenetic Regulation — Meina He, Tuo Zhang, Yi Yang et al. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 2021, systematic review, 173 citations · DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654028
  42. Epigenetic clocks reveal a rejuvenation event during embryogenesis followed by aging — Csaba Kerepesi, Bohan Zhang, Sang‐Goo Lee et al. Science Advances, 2021, computational, 121 citations · DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg6082
  43. Epigenetic Clock and Circadian Rhythms in Stem Cell Aging and Rejuvenation — Ekaterina M. Samoilova, Белопасов Владимир Викторович, Evgenia V. Ekusheva et al. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 2021, systematic review, 29 citations · DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111050
  44. The epigenome of male germ cells and the programming of phenotypes in cattle — Hélène Kiefer, Eli Sellem, Amélie Bonnet‐Garnier et al. Animal Frontiers, 2021, 19 citations · DOI: 10.1093/af/vfab062
  45. Histone Acetylation Dynamics during In Vivo and In Vitro Oocyte Aging in Common Carp Cyprinus carpio. — Waghmare SG, Samarin AM, Samarin AM et al. International journal of molecular sciences, 2021, 18 citations · DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116036
  46. X chromosome status : a gatekeeper of germ cells meiotic entry — Jacqueline Severino Repositori digital de la UPF (Universitat Pompeu Fabra), 2021
  47. The Epigenetics of the Endocannabinoid System — Rosaria Meccariello, Antonietta Santoro, Stefania D’Angelo et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020, systematic review, 85 citations · DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031113
  48. Novel Perspectives of Stem Cell Manufacturing and Therapies — Diana Kitala, Ana Colette Maurício IntechOpen eBooks, 2020, 6 citations · DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.82986
  49. Public Discourse on Stem Cell Research in Russia — Valentina Polyakova, Konstantin S. Fursov, THOMAS WOLFGANG THURNER Science & Technology Studies, 2020, 1 citations · DOI: 10.23987/sts.71153
  50. Targeting epigenetic regulators for cancer therapy: mechanisms and advances in clinical trials — Yuan Cheng, He Cai, Manni Wang et al. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 2019, systematic review, 1084 citations · DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0095-0
  51. Cell Reprogramming: The Many Roads to Success — Begüm Aydın, Esteban O. Mazzoni Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, 2019, systematic review, 62 citations · DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100818-125127
  52. Distribution and dynamics of mitochondrial DNA methylation in oocytes, embryos and granulosa cells. — Sirard MA Scientific reports, 2019, cross sectional, 50 citations · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48422-8
  53. In Vitro Generation of Oocytes from Ovarian Stem Cells (OSCs): In Search of Major Evidence — Erica Silvestris, Stella D’Oronzo, Paola Cafforio et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019, 28 citations · DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246225
  54. On the epigenetic ageing clock in humans — Daniel Elias Martin-Herranz Apollo (University of Cambridge), 2019 · DOI: 10.17863/cam.44841
  55. Rejuvenation of the Epigenetic Landscape of the Aged Brain Through Manipulation of Circulating Factors — Edward C. Koellhoffer Digital Commons-TMC (Texas Medical Center), 2019
  56. Epigenetic regulation in development: is the mouse a good model for the human? — Hanna CW, Demond H, Kelsey G Human reproduction update, 2018, systematic review, 90 citations · DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy021
  57. Responsible innovation in human germline gene editing: Background document to the recommendations of ESHG and ESHRE — Guido M W R de Wert, Björn Heindryckx, Guido Pennings et al. European Journal of Human Genetics, 2018, unknown, 68 citations · DOI: 10.1038/s41431-017-0077-z
  58. Rejuvenation by cell reprogramming: a new horizon in gerontology — Rodolfo Gustavo Goya, Marianne Lehmann, Priscila Chiavellini et al. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2018, systematic review, 51 citations · DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-1075-y
  59. The effects of biological aging on global DNA methylation, histone modification, and epigenetic modifiers in the mouse germinal vesicle stage oocyte. — Marshall KL, Wang J, Ji T et al. Animal reproduction, 2018, 21 citations · DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0087
  60. Responsible innovation in human germline gene editing. Background document to the recommendations of ESHG and ESHRE†‡ — Guido M W R de Wert, Björn Heindryckx, Guido Pennings et al. Human Reproduction Open, 2018, 14 citations · DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hox024
  61. The role of mTOR signalling in primordial germ cell development — Theresa Schoenherr Spiral (Imperial College London), 2018 · DOI: 10.25560/87242
  62. DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferases — John R. Edwards, Olya Yarychkivska, Mathieu Boulard et al. Epigenetics & Chromatin, 2017, systematic review, 486 citations · DOI: 10.1186/s13072-017-0130-8
  63. The effects of superovulation and reproductive aging on the epigenome of the oocyte and embryo — Kira L Marshall, Rocío Melissa Rivera Molecular Reproduction and Development, 2017, systematic review, 75 citations · DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22951
  64. Stem cells, in vitro gametogenesis and male fertility — Go Nagamatsu, Katsuhiko Hayashi Reproduction, 2017, systematic review, 51 citations · DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0510
  65. Establishment and Functions of DNA Methylation in the Germline — Kathleen R. Stewart-Morgan, Lenka Veselovska, Gavin Kelsey Epigenomics, 2016, systematic review, 186 citations · DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0056
  66. Allele-Specific Transcriptome and Methylome Analysis Reveals Stable Inheritance and Cis-Regulation of DNA Methylation in Nasonia. — Wang X, Werren JH, Clark AG PLoS biology, 2016, cross sectional, 57 citations · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002500
  67. Parent-of-Origin DNA Methylation Dynamics during Mouse Development — Yonatan Stelzer, Hao Wu, Yuelin Song et al. Cell Reports, 2016, 34 citations · DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.08.066
  68. Germline and Pluripotent Stem Cells — Wolf Reik, M. Azim Surani Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 2015, unknown, 118 citations · DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a019422
  69. Primordial Germ Cells: Current Knowledge and Perspectives — Aleksandar Nikolic, Vladislav Volarević, Lyle Armstrong et al. Stem Cells International, 2015, systematic review, 103 citations · DOI: 10.1155/2016/1741072
  70. Germline-derived DNA methylation and early embryo epigenetic reprogramming: The selected survival of imprints. — Monk D The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology, 2015, systematic review, 73 citations · DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.04.014
  71. Systemic Problems: A perspective on stem cell aging and rejuvenation — Irina M. Conboy, Michael J. Conboy, Justin Rebo Aging, 2015, systematic review, 65 citations · DOI: 10.18632/aging.100819
  72. Transcription and imprinting dynamics in developing postnatal male germline stem cells. — Hammoud SS, Low DH, Yi C et al. Genes & development, 2015, cohort, 63 citations · DOI: 10.1101/gad.261925.115
  73. Aging alters histone H3 lysine 4 methylation in mouse germinal vesicle stage oocytes — Genbao Shao, Jie Wang, Liuping Zhang et al. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 2014, 42 citations · DOI: 10.1071/rd13293
  74. DNA methylation and demethylation: A pathway to gametogenesis and development — Wendy Dean Molecular Reproduction and Development, 2013, 51 citations · DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22280
  75. Reprogramming DNA methylation in the mammalian life cycle: building and breaking epigenetic barriers — Stefanie Seisenberger, Julian R. Peat, Timothy A. Hore et al. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, 2012, systematic review, 456 citations · DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0330
  76. Primordial Germ Cells in Mice — Mitinori Saitou, Masashi Yamaji Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 2012, systematic review, 419 citations · DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a008375
  77. DNA methylation dynamics during the mammalian life cycle — Jamie A. Hackett, M. Azim Surani Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, 2012, systematic review, 318 citations · DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0328
  78. DNA methylation dynamics during sexual reproduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. — Jullien PE, Susaki D, Yelagandula R et al. Current biology : CB, 2012, cohort, 188 citations · DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.07.061
  79. Epigenetic reprogramming of breast cancer cells with oocyte extracts — Cinzia Allegrucci, Michael D. Rushton, James E. Dixon et al. Molecular Cancer, 2011, in vitro, 69 citations · DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-7
  80. DNA methylation of germ-cell-specific basic helix-loop-helix (HLH) transcription factors, Sohlh2 and Figl during gametogenesis — Bo Pan, H. Chao, Bo Chen et al. Molecular Human Reproduction, 2011, 32 citations · DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gar017
  81. Embryonic Stem Cells and the Germ Cell Lineage — Cyril Y. Ramathal, Renee A. Reijo Pera, Paul J. Turek InTech eBooks, 2011, 6 citations · DOI: 10.5772/25116
  82. Options for fertility preservation in prepubertal boys — Christine Wyns, Mara Curaba, Bernard Vanabelle et al. Human Reproduction Update, 2010, systematic review, 264 citations · DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp054
  83. Histone modifications during mammalian oocyte maturation: dynamics, regulation and functions. — Gu L, Wang Q, Sun QY Cell cycle (Georgetown, Tex.), 2010, systematic review, 144 citations · DOI: 10.4161/cc.9.10.11599
  84. Phosphorylation of Sox2 Cooperates in Reprogramming to Pluripotent Stem Cells — Chul‐Ho Jeong, Yong‐Yeon Cho, Myoung-Ok Kim et al. Stem Cells, 2010, unknown, 141 citations · DOI: 10.1002/stem.540
  85. Male fertility preservation before gonadotoxic therapies. — Christine Wyns PubMed, 2010, 14 citations
  86. Epigenetic and chromatin reprogramming in mouse development and embryonic stem cells — Tuempong Wongtawan ERA, 2010, 2 citations
  87. Epigenetic reprogramming and induced pluripotency — Konrad Hochedlinger, Kathrin Plath Development, 2009, expert opinion, 554 citations · DOI: 10.1242/dev.020867
  88. Aging Hematopoietic Stem Cells Decline in Function and Exhibit Epigenetic Dysregulation — Stuart M. Chambers, Chad A. Shaw, Catherine E. Gatza et al. PLoS Biology, 2007, cohort, 799 citations · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0050201
  89. Aberrant DNA methylation of imprinted loci in superovulated oocytes. — Sato A, Otsu E, Negishi H et al. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 2007, cross sectional, 370 citations · DOI: 10.1093/humrep/del316
  90. Alterations in epigenetic modifications during oocyte growth in mice — Shun‐Ichiro Kageyama, Honglin Liu, Naoto Kaneko et al. Reproduction, 2007, cohort, 220 citations · DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0025
  91. Evaluation in mammalian oocytes of gene transcripts linked to epigenetic reprogramming — Roberto S Oliveri, Mark Kalisz, Charlotte Karlskov Schjerling et al. Reproduction, 2007, 36 citations · DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0315
  92. Stem Cell Technology and Other Innovative Therapies Libreria Editrice Vaticana eBooks, 2007 · DOI: 10.65398/gesm1245
  93. Erasure of methylation imprint at the promoter and CTCF-binding site upstream of H19 in human testicular germ cell tumors of adolescents indicate their fetal germ cell origin. — Kawakami T, Zhang C, Okada Y et al. Oncogene, 2006, 36 citations · DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209362
  94. Gene-specific timing and epigenetic memory in oocyte imprinting — Diana Lucifero, Mellissa R.W. Mann, Marisa S. Bartolomei et al. Human Molecular Genetics, 2004, cohort, 443 citations · DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddh104
  95. Methylation dynamics of imprinted genes in mouse germ cells. — Lucifero D, Mertineit C, Clarke HJ et al. Genomics, 2002, cohort, 300 citations · DOI: 10.1006/geno.2002.6732
  96. Epigenetic reprogramming in mouse germ cells — Petra Hájková edoc Publication server (Humboldt University of Berlin), 2002 · DOI: 10.18452/15020
  97. Oocyte polarity and cell determination in early mammalian embryos — Robert Edwards Molecular Human Reproduction, 1997, unknown, 289 citations · DOI: 10.1093/molehr/3.10.863
  98. Dr. Carrel's immortal cells — JAN A. WITKOWSKI Medical History, 1980, 92 citations · DOI: 10.1017/s0025727300040126