During formation of the preimplantation embryo several cellular and molecular milestones
take place, making the few cells forming the early embryo vulnerable to environmental
stressors than can impair epigenetic reprogramming and controls of gene expression.
Although these molecular alterations can result in embryonic death, a significant
developmental plasticity is present in the preimplantation embryo that promotes full-term
pregnancy. Prenatal epigenetic modifications are inherited during mitosis and can …