Incorrect DNA methylation of the DAZL promoter CpG island associates with defective human sperm.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Successful gametogenesis requires the establishment of an appropriate epigenetic state in developing germ cells. Nevertheless, an association between abnormal spermatogenesis and epigenetic disturbances in germline-specific genes remains to be demonstrated.

Methods

In this study, the DNA methylation pattern of the promoter CpG island (CGI) of two germline regulator genes--DAZL and DAZ, was characterized by bisulphite genomic sequencing in quality-fractioned ejaculated sperm populations from normozoospermic (NZ) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men.

Results

OAT patients display increased methylation defects in the DAZL promoter CGI when compared with NZ controls. Such differences are recorded when analyzing sperm fractions enriched either in normal or

SUBMITTER: Navarro-Costa P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2939755 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature