Similar Datasets
Project description:Transmission of epigenetic information between generations occurs in nematodes, flies and plants, mediated by specialised small RNA pathways, modified histones and DNA methylation. Similar processes in mammals can also affect phenotype through intergenerational or trans-generational mechanisms. Here we generate a luciferase knock-in reporter mouse for the imprinted Dlk1 locus to visualise and track epigenetic fidelity across generations. Exposure to high-fat diet in pregnancy provokes sustained re-expression of the normally silent maternal Dlk1 in offspring (loss of imprinting) and increased DNA methylation at the somatic differentially methylated region (sDMR). In the next generation heterogeneous Dlk1 mis-expression is seen exclusively among animals born to F1-exposed females. Oocytes from these females show altered gene and microRNA expression without changes in DNA methylation, and correct imprinting is restored in subsequent generations. Our results illustrate how diet impacts the foetal epigenome, disturbing canonical and non-canonical imprinting mechanisms to modulate the properties of successive generations of offspring.
| S-EPMC9072353 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Transmission of epigenetic information between generations occurs in nematodes, flies and plants, mediated by specialised small RNA pathways, modified histones and DNA methylation. In mammals, evidence supports similar trans- and inter-generational effects although the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here a luciferase knock-in reporter mouse for the imprinted Dlk1 locus was generated to visualise and track epigenetic fidelity across generations. Exposure to high-fat diet (HFD) in pregnancy provoked sustained re-expression of the normally silent maternal Dlk1 allele in offspring (a loss of imprinting) and increased DNA methylation at the sDMR. In the next generation heterogeneous Dlk1 mis-expression was seen exclusively among animals born to F1-exposed females. Oocytes from these females showed altered gene and miR expression without changes in DNA methylation, and correct imprinting was restored in subsequent generations. Our results illustrate how diet impacts the foetal epigenome, disturbing canonical and non-canonical imprinting mechanisms to modulate the properties of two successive generations of offspring.
2022-04-01 | GSE175537 | GEO
Project description:Transmission of epigenetic information between generations occurs in nematodes, flies and plants, mediated by specialised small RNA pathways, modified histones and DNA methylation. In mammals, evidence supports similar trans- and inter-generational effects although the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here a luciferase knock-in reporter mouse for the imprinted Dlk1 locus was generated to visualise and track epigenetic fidelity across generations. Exposure to high-fat diet (HFD) in pregnancy provoked sustained re-expression of the normally silent maternal Dlk1 allele in offspring (a loss of imprinting) and increased DNA methylation at the sDMR. In the next generation heterogeneous Dlk1 mis-expression was seen exclusively among animals born to F1-exposed females. Oocytes from these females showed altered gene and miR expression without changes in DNA methylation, and correct imprinting was restored in subsequent generations. Our results illustrate how diet impacts the foetal epigenome, disturbing canonical and non-canonical imprinting mechanisms to modulate the properties of two successive generations of offspring.
2022-04-01 | GSE175536 | GEO
Project description:Epigenetic changes induced by in utero dietary challenge result in phenotypic variability in successive generations of mice.
| PRJNA732689 | ENA
Project description:Epigenetic changes induced by in utero dietary challenge result in phenotypic variability in successive generations of mice [BS-seq]
| PRJNA732781 | ENA
Project description:Epigenetic changes induced by in utero dietary challenge result in phenotypic variability in successive generations of mice [RNA-seq]
| PRJNA732782 | ENA
Project description:BACKGROUND:Developmental effects of exposure to endocrine disruptors can influence adult characters in mammals, but could also have evolutionary consequences. The aim of this study was to simulate an environmental exposure of an experimental population of mice to high amounts of nutritional phytoestrogens and to evaluate parameters of relevance for evolutionary change in the offspring. The effect of a continuous pre- and post-natal exposure to high levels of dietary isoflavones was evaluated on sexual maturity, morphometric parameters and DNA methylation status in mice. Adult mice male/female couples were fed ad libitum either with control diet (standard laboratory chow) or ISF diet (control diet plus a soy isoflavone extract at 2% (w/w) that contained the phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein). In the offspring we measured: i) the onset of vaginal opening (sexual maturation) in females, ii) weight and size in all pups at 7, 14, 21 and 42 days post-natal (dpn) and iii) DNA methylation patterns in skeletal alpha-actin (Acta1), estrogen receptor-alpha and c-fos in adults (42 dpn). RESULTS:Vaginal opening was advanced in female pups in the ISF group, from 31.6 +/- 0.75 dpn to 25.7 +/- 0.48. No differences in size or weight at ages 7, 14 or 21 dpn were detected between experimental groups. Nevertheless, at age 42 dpn reduced size and weight were observed in ISF pups, in addition to suppression of normal gender differences in weight seen in the control group (males heavier that females). Also, natural differences seen in DNA methylation at Acta1 promoter in the offspring originated in the control group were suppressed in the ISF group. Acta1 is known to be developmentally regulated and related to morphomotric features. CONCLUSION:This study demonstrates in mammals that individuals from a population subjected to a high consumption of isoflavones can show alterations in characters that may be of importance from an evolutionary perspective, such as epigenetic and morphometric characters or sexual maturation, a life history character.
| S-EPMC2556694 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Much work has shown that the environment can induce non-genetic changes in phenotype that span multiple generations. Theory predicts that predictable environmental variation selects for both increased within- and across-generation responses. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, there are no empirical tests of this prediction. We explored the relationship between within- versus across-generation plasticity by evaluating the influence of predator cues on the life-history traits of Daphnia ambigua. We measured the duration of predator-induced transgenerational effects, determined when transgenerational responses are induced, and quantified the cues that activate transgenerational plasticity. We show that predator exposure during embryonic development causes earlier maturation and increased reproductive output. Such effects are detectable two generations removed from predator exposure and are similar in magnitude in response to exposure to cues emitted by injured conspecifics. Moreover, all experimental contexts and traits yielded a negative correlation between within- versus across-generation responses. That is, responses to predator cues within- and across-generations were opposite in sign and magnitude. Although many models address transgenerational plasticity, none of them explain this apparent negative relationship between within- and across-generation plasticities. Our results highlight the need to refine the theory of transgenerational plasticity.
| S-EPMC4262177 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Large-scale tree distribution changes have received considerable attention but underlying demo-genetic mechanisms are less well documented. We used a diachronic approach to track species shifts in a mixed oak stand (Quercus petraea-Quercus robur) at a fine spatiotemporal scale. Species assignment was made using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) fingerprints employing clustering and parentage analysis. Mating patterns and reproductive success were assessed by parentage analysis. Plot-based inventories of soil parameters and sapling densities provided ecological and demographic information, respectively. Sapling density and reproductive success was higher in Q. petraea than in Q. robur, and were correlated with a spatial expansion of Q. petraea (50% to 67% of the area). Admixed trees resulting from hybridization and backcrossing between the two species were more frequent under the Q. robur canopy. We suspect that species' differential responses to ongoing environmental changes and interspecific competition are the predominant factors accounting for the recruitment success of Q. petraea, while human interference, differential reproduction and hybridization (and backcrossings) are probably of more limited importance. We anticipate in mixed Q. petraea-Q. robur stands, under current ongoing environmental change, that these processes will be enhanced, at least in the western part of the distribution of the two species.
| S-EPMC5624485 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Image formation in bright field electron microscopy can be described with the help of the contrast transfer function (CTF). In this work the authors describe the "CTF Estimation Challenge", called by the Madrid Instruct Image Processing Center (I2PC) in collaboration with the National Center for Macromolecular Imaging (NCMI) at Houston. Correcting for the effects of the CTF requires accurate knowledge of the CTF parameters, but these have often been difficult to determine. In this challenge, researchers have had the opportunity to test their ability in estimating some of the key parameters of the electron microscope CTF on a large micrograph data set produced by well-known laboratories on a wide set of experimental conditions. This work presents the first analysis of the results of the CTF Estimation Challenge, including an assessment of the performance of the different software packages under different conditions, so as to identify those areas of research where further developments would be desirable in order to achieve high-resolution structural information.
| S-EPMC4672951 | biostudies-literature