Texas A&M researchers study paternal epigenetics in pregnancy loss

Researchers at Texas A&M are investigating the role of paternal sperm epigenetics in early pregnancy loss. While maternal factors such as chromosomal abnormalities or uterine environment are well-documented, many cases of pregnancy loss remain unexplained.

Lacey Luense, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science, is leading research to understand how non-genetic changes to DNA—epigenetic contributions—are delivered to the embryo and how they might affect gene expression. To study these mechanisms, the team is utilizing cattle as a model, noting that nearly 50% of bovine pregnancies end prematurely.

Supported by a $1.65 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, Luense is collaborating with Ky Pohler, Ph.D., at the Texas A&M AgriLife Animal Reproductive Biotechnology Center. The study aims to identify biomarkers and determine how paternal epigenetic factors influence unsuccessful pregnancies in both animals and humans.