Maternal obesity affects gene expression and cellular development in fetal brains
Ewa K Stachowiak1, Saji Oommen, Vihas T Vasu
1University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Nutritional Neuroscience
|September 26, 2012
Summary
Maternal obesity in rats alters fetal brain development, leading to gene expression changes and impaired neuronal growth. This may predispose offspring to metabolic and neurological disorders later in life.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic disorders
Background:
- High carbohydrate (HC) milk formula induces chronic hyperinsulinemia and obesity in female rat neonates.
- Maternal obesity during gestation creates an adverse intrauterine environment, impacting fetal development and transferring the HC phenotype to offspring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate global gene expression patterns in term HC fetal brains.
- To examine cellular development in term HC fetal brains exposed to an adverse intrauterine environment.
Main Methods:
- GeneChip analysis of total RNA from fetal brains for gene expression profiling.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of fetal brain slices to assess cellular development.
Main Results:
- Gene expression profiling revealed alterations in gene clusters potentially contributing to the maternal phenotype transfer.
- Immunohistochemistry showed reduced proliferation and neuronal maturation in stem-like cells within HC fetal brains.
Conclusions:
- Maternal obesity during pregnancy can disrupt fetal brain developmental programming.
- These developmental alterations may contribute to metabolic syndrome and neurological disorders in offspring.
Related Concept Videos
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
01:24Obesity
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...