Sexually dimorphic characteristics of the small intestine and colon of prepubescent C57BL/6 mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is increasing appreciation for sexually dimorphic effects, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are only partially understood. In the present study, we explored transcriptomics and epigenetic differences in the small intestine and colon of prepubescent male and female mice. In addition, the microbiota composition of the colonic luminal content has been examined.

Methods

At postnatal day 14, male and female C57BL/6 mice were sacrificed and the small intestine, colon and content of luminal colon were isolated. Gene expression of both segments of the intestine was analysed by microarray analysis. DNA methylation of the promoter regions of selected sexually dimorphic genes was examined by pyrosequencing. Composition of the microbiota was explore

SUBMITTER: Steegenga WT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4169057 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature