Project description:Environmental reproductive health focuses on the effect of exposure to contaminants considered as endocrine disruptors. Developmental testis is considered as target of these compounds affecting testicular functions in adults and suspected implications in tumor etiology. Comparative analysis of gene expression in mouse testis exposed to five disruptors, three different dosages and three accumulative developmental stages shown defined signature profiles of gene deregulation for MEHP (monoethyl phthalate) and zearalenone (a phytoestrogen) and different to 17β-estradiol exposure. The effects are even detected in postpuberal male offspring from premating exposed mothers. Oxidative stress response, protein ubiquitination and oxidative phosphorylation are the most representative pathways affected.
Project description:We collected whole genome testis expression data from hybrid zone mice. We integrated GWAS mapping of testis expression traits and low testis weight to gain insight into the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility.
Project description:We collected whole genome testis expression data from hybrid zone mice. We integrated GWAS mapping of testis expression traits and low testis weight to gain insight into the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility. Gene expression was measured in whole testis from males aged 62-86 days. Samples include 190 first generation lab-bred male offspring of wild-caught mice from the Mus musculus musculus - M. m. domesticus hybrid zone.
Project description:Purpose: In testis the effects of exposure to mixtures of Endocrine disruptors compounds (EDCs) upon expression of miRNAs were not addressed. Objective: To identify the expression profiles of the 'miRNome' in mice testis chronic exposed to a defined mixture of five EDCs. Methods: Pregnant mice from 0.5 post-coital day were exposed in the drinking water to a mixture containing 0.3 mg/Kg-bw/day of each phthalate (DEHP, DBP, BBP), plus 0.05 mg/Kg-bw/day of each alkylphenol (NP, OP) until adulthood of male mouse (60 days old). We characterized the 'miRNome' by next generation sequence (NGS). Results: In mouse testis exposed to EDCs mixture we detected by NGS 2 up-regulated and 8 down-regulated miRNAs along to 36 isomiRs differentially expressed; these results were validated by RT-qPCR. and functional analysis showed deregulation of testicular hormonal status, spermatogenesis disruption and germ cells apoptosis. Conclusions: Here we provide the first association between deregulation of miRNAs, isomiRs, with histopathological and hormonal alterations in adult mice testis exposed to mixture of EDCs.
Project description:To characterize the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility in detail, we used a systems genetics approach, integrating mapping of gene expression traits with sterility phenotypes and QTL. We measured genome-wide testis expression in 305 male F2s from a cross between wild-derived inbred strains of M. musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus. We identified several thousand cis- and trans-acting QTL contributing to expression variation (eQTL). Many trans eQTL cluster into eleven ‘hotspots,’ seven of which co-localize with QTL for sterility phenotypes identified in the cross. The number and clustering of trans eQTL - but not cis eQTL - were substantially lower when mapping was restricted to a ‘fertile’ subset of mice, providing evidence that trans eQTL hotspots are related to sterility. Functional annotation of transcripts with eQTL provides insights into the biological processes disrupted by sterility loci and guides prioritization of candidate genes. Using a conditional mapping approach, we identified eQTL dependent on interactions between loci, revealing a complex system of epistasis. Our results illuminate established patterns, including the role of the X chromosome in hybrid sterility.
Project description:To characterize the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility in detail, we used a systems genetics approach, integrating mapping of gene expression traits with sterility phenotypes and QTL. We measured genome-wide testis expression in 305 male F2s from a cross between wild-derived inbred strains of M. musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus. We identified several thousand cis- and trans-acting QTL contributing to expression variation (eQTL). Many trans eQTL cluster into eleven M-bM-^@M-^Xhotspots,M-bM-^@M-^Y seven of which co-localize with QTL for sterility phenotypes identified in the cross. The number and clustering of trans eQTL - but not cis eQTL - were substantially lower when mapping was restricted to a M-bM-^@M-^XfertileM-bM-^@M-^Y subset of mice, providing evidence that trans eQTL hotspots are related to sterility. Functional annotation of transcripts with eQTL provides insights into the biological processes disrupted by sterility loci and guides prioritization of candidate genes. Using a conditional mapping approach, we identified eQTL dependent on interactions between loci, revealing a complex system of epistasis. Our results illuminate established patterns, including the role of the X chromosome in hybrid sterility. Gene expression was measured in whole testis in males aged 70(M-BM-15) days. Samples include 294 WSB/EiJ x PWD/PhJ F2s, 11 PWD/PhJ x WSB/EiJ F2s, 8 WSB/EiJ, 8 PWD/PhJ, 6 PWD/PhJ x WSB/EiJ F1s and 4 WSB/EiJ x PWD/PhJ F1s.