Investigation into the role of the germline epigenome in the transmission of glucocorticoid-programmed effects across generations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early life exposure to adverse environments affects cardiovascular and metabolic systems in the offspring. These programmed effects are transmissible to a second generation through both male and female lines, suggesting germline transmission. We have previously shown that prenatal overexposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) in rats reduces birth weight in the first generation (F1), a phenotype which is transmitted to a second generation (F2), particularly through the male line. We hypothesize that Dex exposure affects developing germ cells, resulting in transmissible alterations in DNA methylation, histone marks and/or small RNA in the male germline.

Results

We profile epigenetic marks in sperm from F1 Sprague Dawley rats expressing a germ cel

SUBMITTER: Cartier J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5891941 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature