Reduced levels of two modifiers of epigenetic gene silencing cause increased phenotypic noise
Author Information
Author(s): Nadia C. Whitelaw, Suyinn Chong, Daniel K. Morgan, Colm Nestor, Timothy J. Bruxner, Alyson Ashe, Eleanore Lambley, Richard Meehan, Emma Whitelaw
Primary Institution: Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Hypothesis
Do reduced levels of Dnmt3a and Trim28 lead to increased phenotypic variance in inbred mice?
Conclusion
The study shows that reduced levels of Dnmt3a and Trim28 result in increased phenotypic variance in inbred mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Inbred mice with mutations in Dnmt3a showed greater variance in body weight compared to wild-type mice.
- Trim28 mutants developed metabolic syndrome and abnormal behavior.
- 284 genes were significantly dysregulated in Trim28 heterozygote mutants.
Takeaway
When certain genes that help control how genes are turned on and off are lower than normal, it can lead to more differences in how mice look and behave.
Methodology
The study involved comparing body weights and behaviors of inbred mice with mutations in Dnmt3a and Trim28 to their wild-type littermates.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the interpretation of phenotypic variance due to environmental factors.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on specific mouse strains and may not generalize to all organisms.
Participant Demographics
Inbred C57BL/6 and FVB/NJ mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.008
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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