Long-lasting alterations to DNA methylation and ncRNAs could underlie the effects of fetal alcohol exposure in mice.

ABSTRACT: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are characterized by life-long changes in gene expression, neurodevelopment and behavior. What mechanisms initiate and maintain these changes are not known, but current research suggests a role for alcohol-induced epigenetic changes. In this study we assessed alterations to adult mouse brain tissue by assaying DNA cytosine methylation and small noncoding RNA (ncRNA) expression, specifically the microRNA (miRNA) and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) subtypes. We found long-lasting alterations in DNA methylation as a result of fetal alcohol exposure, specifically in the imprinted regions of the genome harboring ncRNAs and sequences interacting with regulatory proteins. A large number of major nodes from the identified networks, such as Pten signaling, cont

SUBMITTER: Laufer BI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3701217 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature