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Gene imprinting in developmental toxicology: a possible interface between physiology and pathology
J A McLachlan1, M Burow, T C Chiang
1Environmental Endocrinology Laboratory, Center for Bioenvironmental Research, Tulane and Xavier Universities, 1340 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. john.mclachlan@tulane.edu
Toxicology Letters
|April 27, 2001
Summary
Gene imprinting, an epigenetic process, can be influenced by environmental factors like diethylstilbestrol (DES). This synthetic estrogen alters DNA methylation patterns, impacting gene expression and developmental toxicology.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Developmental Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gene imprinting is a key epigenetic mechanism controlling gene expression.
- Understanding imprinting mechanisms is crucial for developmental toxicology.
- Environmental factors can influence epigenetic modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms of gene imprinting.
- To investigate the role of synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) in developmental gene imprinting.
- To discuss implications for developmental toxicology and in vitro screening.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of gene imprinting mechanisms.
- Presentation of data on diethylstilbestrol (DES) effects on DNA methylation patterns.
- Discussion of findings related to non-mutagenic developmental toxicology.
Main Results:
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was shown to developmentally imprint genes.
- DES changes the pattern of DNA methylation, affecting gene expression.
- Findings highlight non-mutagenic mechanisms in developmental toxicology.
Conclusions:
- Environmental agents like DES can induce epigenetic changes through DNA methylation.
- Developmental imprinting has significant implications for toxicology.
- The concept of developmental imprinting can inform in vitro screening for toxicants.