Mining RNAseq data reveals dynamic metaboloepigenetic profiles in human, mouse and bovine pre-implantation embryos.

Metaboloepigenetic regulation has been reported in stem cells, germ cells, and tumor cells. Embryonic metaboloepigenetics, however, have just begun to be described. Here we analyzed RNAseq data to characterize the metaboloepigenetic profiles of human, mouse, and bovine pre-implantation embryos. In embryos, metaboloepigenetic reprogramming was species-specific, varied with the developmental stage and was disrupted with in vitro culture. Metabolic pathways and gene expressions were strongly correlated with early embryo DNA methylation and were changed with in vitro culture. Although the idea that the in vitro environment may influence development is not new, there has been little progress on improving pregnancy rates after decades using in vitro fertilization. Hence, the present data will contribute to understanding how the in vitro manipulation affects the metaboloepigenetic status of early embryos, which can be used to establish culture strategies aimed at improving the in vitro environment and, consequently, pregnancy rates and offspring health.