Paternal Weight, Sperm Epigenomics and Fetal Growth
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Effect of Paternal Obesity and Weight Loss on Sperm Epigenetic Profiles and the Potential for lntergenerational Inheritance of Epigenetic Marks that could influence Fetal Growth
IRAS ID
164459
Contact name
David Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
We have shown that overweight men with insulin resistance are at risk of fathering growth-restricted babies that are born smaller than their optimal weight. Furthermore, in these offspring, we have found changes in their umbilical cord DNA methylation in metabolism-controlling genes. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark (which is one of a series of biological processes that affect how our genes behave). We seek to determine if acquired, obesity associated, epigenetic marks are passed from fathers to their unborn offspring, which are able to influence growth in the womb. Furthermore, we hypothesise that pre-conception paternal weight loss may reverse obesity- related DNA methylation profiles and improve pregnancy outcomes.
This project aims to answer the following questions: -
1. Do obese men have consistently altered sperm DNA methylation profiles compared with normal weight men?
2. Do obese men who successfully lose weight with bariatric surgery show changes in sperm DNA methylation profiles?
3. Do growth-restricted offspring show DNA methylation differences in their umbilical cord blood that correlate with obesity related epigenetic marks in their fathers?
This research can determine whether paternal obesity is a risk factor for fetal growth- restriction (FGR) that is transmitted through intergenerational (father to offspring) inheritance of acquired epigenetic marks that are potentially reversible with pre-conception paternal weight loss. Such a discovery would have a global public health impact that could reduce morbidity and mortality associated with obesity over generations.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1437
Date of REC Opinion
28 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion