Project description:We developed two novel sperm epigenetic clocks by applying Super Learner, an ensemble machine learning algorithm, to predict age from sperm EPIC array DNA methylation data via individual CpG sites and differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Overall, our cox model showed that one-year increase in our developed sperm epigenetic age (SEA) was associated with up to 15% reduction in couples time-to-pregnancy (TTP).
Project description:Epidemiological studies suggest that a father’s diet can influence offspring health. A proposed mechanism for paternal transmission of environmental information is via the sperm epigenome. The epigenome includes heritable information such as DNA methylation. We hypothesized that the dietary supply of methyl donors would alter epigenetic reprogramming in sperm. This hypothesis was examined by feeding male mice a folate deficient (FD) and folate sufficient (FS) diets and then generating and analyzing DNA methylation profiles of their sperm. C57BL/6 males were fed either the FS or FD diet throughout life (FS, n=32; FD, n=35; 2-3 month old). Pooled gene promoter DNA methylation profiles were generated from the sperm of three FS males and four FD males using the method of MeDIP (Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation) followed by microarray hybridization.
Project description:Epidemiological studies suggest that a father’s diet can influence offspring health. A proposed mechanism for paternal transmission of environmental information is via the sperm epigenome. The epigenome includes heritable information such as DNA methylation. We hypothesized that the dietary supply of methyl donors would alter epigenetic reprogramming in sperm. This hypothesis was examined by feeding male mice a folate deficient (FD) and folate sufficient (FS) diets and then generating and analyzing DNA methylation profiles of their sperm.
Project description:We hypothesized that the availability of folate, a soluble B vitamin, would alter the levels of DNA methylation in spermatogenesis with consequences for the sperm epigenome and pregnancy outcomes. We fed male mice with either a folate-deficient or a folate-sufficient diet throughout life. Males fed the folate-deficient diet had offspring with increased birth defects, which included craniofacial and musculoskeletal malformations. These phenotypes corresponded to developmental genes with altered methylation in sperm. To determine if there was transmission of epigenetic effects from sires to offspring, global gene expression levels were assessed in placenta from 18.5 dpc fetuses sired by either a folate-sufficient or folate-deficient male. Gene expression was measured in placenta of 18.5 dpc fetuses sired by either a folate sufficient male (n=4 placentas from different litters and different fathers) or a folate deficient (FD) male (n=4 placentas from different litters and different fathers).
Project description:Paternal exposure to environmentally-relevant Arctic contaminants induces adverse health outcomes and alters the sperm methylome over three generations.
Project description:We hypothesized that the availability of folate, a soluble B vitamin, would alter the levels of DNA methylation in spermatogenesis with consequences for the sperm epigenome and pregnancy outcomes. We fed male mice with either a folate-deficient or a folate-sufficient diet throughout life. Males fed the folate-deficient diet had offspring with increased birth defects, which included craniofacial and musculoskeletal malformations. These phenotypes corresponded to developmental genes with altered methylation in sperm. To determine if there was transmission of epigenetic effects from sires to offspring, global gene expression levels were assessed in placenta from 18.5 dpc fetuses sired by either a folate-sufficient or folate-deficient male.