Sex differences in epigenetic regulation of the estrogen receptor-alpha promoter within the developing preoptic area.

ABSTRACT: Sex differences in the brain are largely organized by a testicular hormone surge that occurs in males shortly after birth. Although this hormone surge is transient, sex differences in brain and behavior are lasting. Here we describe a sex difference in DNA methylation of the estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) promoter region within the developing rat preoptic area, with males exhibiting more DNA methylation within the ERalpha promoter than females. More importantly, we report that simulating maternal grooming, a form of maternal interaction that is sexually dimorphic with males experiencing more than females during the neonatal period, effectively masculinizes female ERalpha promoter methylation and gene expression. This suggests natural variations in maternal care that are directed differe

SUBMITTER: Kurian JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2869250 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature