Paternal Influence on rDNA Dynamics During Mouse Development
Author Information
Author(s): Shiao Yih-Horng, Leighty Robert M., Wang Cuiju, Ge Xin, Crawford Erik B., Spurrier Joshua M., McCann Sean D., Fields Janet R., Fornwald Laura, Riffle Lisa, Driver Craig, Quiñones Octavio A., Wilson Ralph E., Kasprzak Kazimierz S., Travlos Gregory S., Alvord W. Gregory, Anderson Lucy M.
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Comparative Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
Hypothesis
Does paternal exposure to certain stressors affect rDNA genetic and epigenetic dynamics during mouse ontogeny?
Conclusion
The study found that rDNA rearrangement and methylation levels change during mouse development and are influenced by paternal exposures.
Supporting Evidence
- Active rDNA rearrangement occurs during the development from day 8 embryos to 6-week adult mice.
- rDNA methylation levels were altered in concordance with ontogenic progression.
- Sperm showed the highest level of methylation, followed by lungs and livers.
- Changes in rDNA haplotype frequencies were observed across different tissues.
- Paternal exposures modified the genetic and epigenetic traits in offspring.
Takeaway
This study shows that the DNA in mice can change as they grow up, and things that the father is exposed to can affect these changes.
Methodology
The study used linear mixed-effects models to analyze genetic and epigenetic changes in rDNA across different developmental stages in mice.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the use of specific mouse strains and environmental conditions during the experiments.
Limitations
The study was limited by the inability to obtain tissues from the same individuals at different developmental stages.
Participant Demographics
Outbred male Cr:NIH Swiss mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0004
Statistical Significance
p<0.0004
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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