Diethylstilbestrol (DES) induces autophagy in thymocytes by regulating Beclin-1 expression through epigenetic modulation.

ABSTRACT: Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is an endocrine disruptor that was used to prevent adverse effects of pregnancy in women in late 1940s until early 1970s. Its use was banned following significant toxicity and negative effects not only in the mothers but also transgenerationally. Previous studies from our laboratory showed that DES induces thymic atrophy and immunosuppression in mice. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms through which DES triggers thymic atrophy, specifically autophagy. To that end, we treated C57BL/6 mice with DES, and determined expression of two autophagy-related proteins, microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1 (Becn1). We observed that DES-induced thymic atrophy was associated with increased autophagy in thymocytes and significant u

SUBMITTER: Singh NP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6463288 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature