The activation of DNA damage detection and repair responses in cleavage-stage rat embryos by a damaged paternal genome.

ABSTRACT: Male germ cell DNA damage, after exposure to radiation, exogenous chemicals, or chemotherapeutic agents, is a major cause of male infertility. DNA-damaged spermatozoa can fertilize oocytes; this is of concern because there is limited information on the capacity of early embryos to repair a damaged male genome or on the fate of these embryos if repair is inadequate. We hypothesized that the early activation of DNA damage response in the early embryo is a critical determinant of its fate. The objective of this study was to assess the DNA damage response and mitochondrial function as a measure of the energy supply for DNA repair and general health in cleavage-stage embryos sired by males chronically exposed to an anticancer alkylating agent, cyclophosphamide. Male rats were treated with salin

SUBMITTER: Grenier L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3355317 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature