"Father's 'greedy' genes control mother's metabolism during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the fetus uses a gene inherited from the father to "force" the mother's body to release as many nutrients as possible.Researchers from the University of Cambridge have studied how the hormonal interaction between the placenta and the mother's body works. The analysis showed that embryos use a copy of a gene inherited from the father to synthesize hormones and force the mother to release as many nutrients as possible during pregnancy.
The process of intrauterine development of the baby resembles a tug-of-war, the study authors explain. The fetus "remotely controls" the mother's metabolism, needing a balance between nutrients that support the mother's health (to complete carrying and healthy feeding) and those required for fetal development.
Some genes (imprinted genes) are only activated if they are inherited from a parent. The researchers blocked in laboratory mice the expression of the imprinted gene Igf2, which is inherited only from the father and ensures the creation of the protein "insulin-like growth factor 2".
The analysis showed that deactivation of the gene in the fetus leads to a decrease in the amount of lipids and glucose in the mother's blood and, as a result, a deterioration in the "supply" of the fetus. And mice born during such intrauterine development are much smaller, weaker, and more likely to have diabetes and obesity in them and their offspring.
The removal of Igf2 from the placenta signaling cells affects the production of various hormones in the mother's body, which modulate the production of insulin by the pancreas, the liver's response to it and other metabolic processes. If the genes work correctly, the mother's sensitivity to insulin decreases, as a result, tissues do not absorb glucose, and it in large quantities is delivered to the fetus.
Genes inherited from the father are "greedy" and "selfish" and tend to manipulate maternal resources for the benefit of the fetus to grow it bigger and most fit. Although pregnancy is largely collaborative, there is an arena of potential conflict between mother and child.
A better understanding of the "interaction" between the maternal body and the fetus during pregnancy will help to find new strategies to influence the placenta to improve maternal and infant health.