Transgenerational epigenetic programming of the embryonic testis transcriptome
Matthew D Anway1, Stephen S Rekow, Michael K Skinner
1Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4231, USA.
Genomics
|November 29, 2007
Summary
Embryonic exposure to vinclozolin causes lasting epigenetic changes in the male germ line. These changes alter gene expression across generations, potentially leading to adult-onset diseases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epigenetics
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Endocrine disruptors can cause adverse health effects across generations.
- Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in germ cell development and inheritance.
- Vinclozolin is an endocrine disruptor known to affect reproductive development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transgenerational effects of embryonic vinclozolin exposure on the male germ line.
- To analyze epigenetic reprogramming and its impact on the testicular transcriptome.
- To identify specific genes and pathways affected by vinclozolin exposure across generations.
Main Methods:
- Embryonic exposure of rats to vinclozolin during gonadal sex determination.
- Analysis of testicular gene expression in subsequent generations (F1-F3) using transcriptomics.
- Quantification of methyltransferase gene expression, including Dnmt3A and Dnmt3L isoforms.
Main Results:
- Vinclozolin exposure induced reproducible changes in the testis transcriptome across F1-F3 generations.
- Expression of 196 genes was altered, with most showing decreased expression or silencing.
- Significant changes in methyltransferase gene expression were observed in F1 and F2 generations, with partial recovery by F3.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic vinclozolin exposure promotes epigenetic reprogramming of the male germ line.
- This reprogramming correlates with transgenerational alterations in the testicular transcriptome.
- The findings highlight the potential for environmental factors to induce heritable epigenetic changes affecting health outcomes.
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