Sex- and diet-specific changes of imprinted gene expression and DNA methylation in mouse placenta under a high-fat diet.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Changes in imprinted gene dosage in the placenta may compromise the prenatal control of nutritional resources. Indeed monoallelic behaviour and sensitivity to changes in regional epigenetic state render imprinted genes both vulnerable and adaptable.

Methods and findings

We investigated whether a high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy modified the expression of imprinted genes and local and global DNA methylation patterns in the placenta. Pregnant mice were fed a HFD or a control diet (CD) during the first 15 days of gestation. We compared gene expression patterns in total placenta homogenates, for male and female offspring, by the RT-qPCR analysis of 20 imprinted genes. Sexual dimorphism and sensitivity to diet were observed for nine genes from four clusters on chro

SUBMITTER: Gallou-Kabani C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3006175 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature