Mission Statement

The Germ Cell and Heritable Effects (GCHE) Special Interest Group (SIG) brings together experts undertaking research and regulation pertaining to impacts of human germ cell exposures to endogenous factors and xenobiotics. Our goals:

• Discuss and debate methods to evaluate how endogenous and xenobiotic exposures, during critical windows of male and female germline development, can impact the reproductive potential of the exposed individual and the health of its offspring;
• Expand understanding of mechanisms underlying adverse effects mediated through germ cells;
• Catalyze the evolution of regulatory testing and risk assessment paradigms to address germ cell effects;
• Provide a forum for discussion of policy implications and action needed
  

We will work for the understanding of how the integrity of the genome and epigenome of the sperm, egg, and early embryo are inarguably fundamental to the development of a healthy offspring.

SIG Contact

If you would like more information, you can reach out to us here: Germ Cell & Heritable Effects SIG Contact

If you are already an EMGS member and are interested in joining the Germ Cell and Heritable Effects SIG:

Join the SIG

Search for the name of the group using the Find A Group search bar and click + Join Group.

Top Global Issues

• Investigate how changes in human germ cells increase risk for offspring neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism 
• Global negative effects on the male and female reproductive function 
• The high incidence of offspring born with de novo mutations that cause a genetic disorder 
• Multi-generational effects of parental exposures mediated through epigenetic changes in germ cells 
  

SIG Membership

Any EMGS member may join the SIG, serve in a leadership role (SIG Chair/Co-Chair, SIG Representative to Program Committee, Student and Early Career Investigator Co-Chair (SECI), and have voting privileges. Any EMGS Annual Meeting attendees who are not EMGS members and/or SIG members are welcome to attend the SIG meeting at the Annual Meeting. EMGS members may join or leave the SIG at any time, are encouraged to check on their membership status on the EMGS website and can ask SIG leadership to update their membership status as necessary. EMGS members may belong to as many SIGs as they choose, and SIG memberships are free of charge. 

SIG Leadership

Leadership roles in this SIG include a Chair, Co-Chair (optional), Student and Early Career Investigator (SECI) Co-Chair, and a Representative to the Program Committee. Starting in February 2020, the responsibilities for these roles and the timelines and procedures for nominations and elections has been standardized across all EMGS SIGs. 

SIG Files

Germ Cell SOP | EMGS Strategic Plan | 2024 Top Global Issues