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Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Studying Cell Cycle-regulated Gene Expression by Two Complementary Cell Synchronization Protocols
Published on: June 6, 2017
Cell cycle arrest and gene expression profiling of testis in mice exposed to fluoride
Kai Su1,2, Zilong Sun1, Ruiyan Niu1
1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Exposure to fluoride results in low reproductive capacity; however, the mechanism underlying the impact of fluoride on male productive system still remains obscure. To assess the potential toxicity in testis of mice administrated with fluoride, global genome microarray and real-time PCR were performed to detect and identify the altered transcriptions. The results revealed that 763 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 330 up-regulated and 433 down-regulated genes, which were involved in spermatogenesis, apoptosis, DNA damage, DNA replication, and cell differentiation. Twelve differential expressed genes were selected to confirm the microarray results using real-time PCR, and the result kept the same tendency with that of microarray. Furthermore, compared with the control group, more apoptotic spermatogenic cells were observed in the fluoride group, and the spermatogonium were markedly increased in S phase and decreased in G2/M phase by fluoride. Our findings suggested global genome microarray provides an insight into the reproductive toxicity induced by fluoride, and several important biological clues for further investigations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1558-1565, 2017.
Insights
Fluoride exposure harms male reproductive capacity by altering gene expression in mouse testes. This study identifies key genes involved in spermatogenesis and cell cycle disruption, offering insights into fluoride toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Fluoride exposure is linked to reduced reproductive capacity.
- The specific mechanisms of fluoride toxicity on the male reproductive system are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of fluoride exposure on gene expression in mouse testes.
- To identify molecular pathways affected by fluoride in the male reproductive system.
Main Methods:
- Global genome microarray analysis was used to identify differentially expressed genes in mouse testes after fluoride administration.
- Real-time PCR was employed to validate the expression levels of selected genes.
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle distribution of spermatogonia.
Main Results:
- A total of 763 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 330 up-regulated and 433 down-regulated genes.
- Affected genes were associated with critical processes such as spermatogenesis, apoptosis, DNA damage, DNA replication, and cell differentiation.
- Fluoride exposure led to increased apoptosis in spermatogenic cells and altered spermatogonia cell cycle distribution (increased S phase, decreased G2/M phase).
Conclusions:
- Global genome microarray analysis provides valuable insights into the reproductive toxicity induced by fluoride.
- The study identified key genes and pathways that warrant further investigation into fluoride's impact on male fertility.
