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McClain AK, Monteleone PP, Zoldan J. Sex in cardiovascular disease: Why this biological variable should be considered in in vitro models. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn3510. [PMID: 38728407 PMCID: PMC11086622 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn3510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world's leading cause of death, exhibits notable epidemiological, clinical, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. Many such differences can be linked back to cardiovascular sexual dimorphism, yet sex-specific in vitro models are still not the norm. A lack of sex reporting and apparent male bias raises the question of whether in vitro CVD models faithfully recapitulate the biology of intended treatment recipients. To ensure equitable treatment for the overlooked female patient population, sex as a biological variable (SABV) inclusion must become commonplace in CVD preclinical research. Here, we discuss the role of sex in CVD and underlying cardiovascular (patho)physiology. We review shortcomings in current SABV practices, describe the relevance of sex, and highlight emerging strategies for SABV inclusion in three major in vitro model types: primary cell, stem cell, and three-dimensional models. Last, we identify key barriers to inclusive design and suggest techniques for overcoming them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. McClain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78751, USA
| | - Peter P. Monteleone
- Ascension Texas Cardiovascular, Austin, TX 78705, USA
- Dell School of Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78751, USA
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2
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Pottmeier P, Nikolantonaki D, Lanner F, Peuckert C, Jazin E. Sex-biased gene expression during neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1341373. [PMID: 38764741 PMCID: PMC11101176 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1341373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in the developing human brain are primarily attributed to hormonal influence. Recently however, genetic differences and their impact on the developing nervous system have attracted increased attention. To understand genetically driven sexual dimorphisms in neurodevelopment, we investigated genome-wide gene expression in an in vitro differentiation model of male and female human embryonic stem cell lines (hESC), independent of the effects of human sex hormones. Four male and four female-derived hESC lines were differentiated into a population of mixed neurons over 37 days. Differential gene expression and gene set enrichment analyses were conducted on bulk RNA sequencing data. While similar differentiation tendencies in all cell lines demonstrated the robustness and reproducibility of our differentiation protocol, we found sex-biased gene expression already in undifferentiated ESCs at day 0, but most profoundly after 37 days of differentiation. Male and female cell lines exhibited sex-biased expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment, suggesting that sex influences the differentiation trajectory. Interestingly, the highest contribution to sex differences was found to arise from the male transcriptome, involving both Y chromosome and autosomal genes. We propose 13 sex-biased candidate genes (10 upregulated in male cell lines and 3 in female lines) that are likely to affect neuronal development. Additionally, we confirmed gene dosage compensation of X/Y homologs escaping X chromosome inactivation through their Y homologs and identified a significant overexpression of the Y-linked demethylase UTY and KDM5D in male hESC during neuron development, confirming previous results in neural stem cells. Our results suggest that genetic sex differences affect neuronal differentiation trajectories, which could ultimately contribute to sex biases during human brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Pottmeier
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Danai Nikolantonaki
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christiane Peuckert
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Jazin
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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3
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Veyrunes F, Perez J, Heitzmann LD, Saunders PA, Givalois L. Hormone profiles of the African pygmy mouse Mus minutoides, a species with XY female sex reversal. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:130-137. [PMID: 38059664 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, most sex differences in phenotype are controlled by gonadal hormones, but recent work on transgenic mice has shown that sex chromosomes can have a direct influence on sex-specific behaviors. In this study, we take advantage of the naturally occurring sex reversal in a mouse species, Mus minutoides, to investigate for the first time the relationship between sex chromosomes, hormones, and behaviors in a wild species. In this model, a feminizing variant of the X chromosome, named X*, produces three types of females with different sex chromosome complements (XX, XX*, and X*Y), associated with alternative behavioral phenotypes, while all males are XY. We thus compared the levels of three major circulating steroid hormones (testosterone, corticosterone, and estradiol) in the four sex genotypes to disentangle the influence of sex chromosomes and sex hormones on behavior. First, we did not find any difference in testosterone levels in the three female genotypes, although X*Y females are notoriously more aggressive. Second, in agreement with their lower anxiety-related behaviors, X*Y females and XY males display lower baseline corticosterone concentration than XX and XX* females. Instead of a direct hormonal influence, this result rather suggests that sex chromosomes may have an impact on the baseline corticosterone level, which in turn may influence behaviors. Third, estradiol concentrations do not explain the enhanced reproductive performance and maternal care behavior of the X*Y females compared to the XX and XX* females. Overall, this study highlights that most of the behaviors varying along with sex chromosome complement of this species are more likely driven by genetic factors rather than steroid hormone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Veyrunes
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier UMR 5554, CNRS, Université Montpellier, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Perez
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier UMR 5554, CNRS, Université Montpellier, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Louise D Heitzmann
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier UMR 5554, CNRS, Université Montpellier, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Paul A Saunders
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier UMR 5554, CNRS, Université Montpellier, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Givalois
- MMDN, Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Dementia Laboratory, Université Montpellier, EPHE-PSL, INSERM U1198, Montpellier, France
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, CR-CHUQ, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Canada
- CNRS, Paris, France
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4
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Hiam D, Landen S, Jacques M, Voisin S, Lamon S, Eynon N. Muscle miRNAs are influenced by sex at baseline and in response to exercise. BMC Biol 2023; 21:273. [PMID: 38012706 PMCID: PMC10683325 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles have been found across multiple tissues. Skeletal muscle is one of the most sex-biased tissues of the body. MiRNAs are necessary for development and have regulatory roles in determining skeletal muscle phenotype and have important roles in the response to exercise in muscle. Yet there is limited research into the role and regulation of miRNAs in the skeletal muscle at baseline and in response to exercise, a well-known modulator of miRNA expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sex on miRNA expression in the skeletal muscle at baseline and after an acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise. A total of 758 miRNAs were measured using Taqman®miRNA arrays in the skeletal muscle of 42 healthy participants from the Gene SMART study (23 males and 19 females of comparable fitness levels and aged 18-45 years), of which 308 were detected. MiRNAs that differed by sex at baseline and whose change in expression following high-intensity interval exercise differed between the sexes were identified using mixed linear models adjusted for BMI and Wpeak. We performed in silico analyses to identify the putative gene targets of the exercise-induced, sex-specific miRNAs and overrepresentation analyses to identify enriched biological pathways. We performed functional assays by overexpressing two sex-biased miRNAs in human primary muscle cells derived from male and female donors to understand their downstream effects on the transcriptome. RESULTS At baseline, 148 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the skeletal muscle between the sexes. Interaction analysis identified 111 miRNAs whose response to an acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise differed between the sexes. Sex-biased miRNA gene targets were enriched for muscle-related processes including proliferation and differentiation of muscle cells and numerous metabolic pathways, suggesting that miRNAs participate in programming sex differences in skeletal muscle function. Overexpression of sex-biased miRNA-30a and miRNA-30c resulted in profound changes in gene expression profiles that were specific to the sex of the cell donor in human primary skeletal muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS We uncovered sex differences in the expression levels of muscle miRNAs at baseline and in response to acute high-intensity interval exercise. These miRNAs target regulatory pathways essential to skeletal muscle development and metabolism. Our findings highlight that miRNAs play an important role in programming sex differences in the skeletal muscle phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Hiam
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shanie Landen
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Macsue Jacques
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Voisin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Heitzmann LD, Challe M, Perez J, Castell L, Galibert E, Martin AO, Valjent E, Veyrunes F. Genotypic sex shapes maternal care in the African pygmy mouse, Mus minutoides. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231224. [PMID: 37670585 PMCID: PMC10510450 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic behaviours, such as parental care, have long been thought to be mainly driven by gonadal hormones. In the past two decades, a few studies have challenged this view, highlighting the direct influence of the sex chromosome complement (XX versus XY or ZZ versus ZW). The African pygmy mouse, Mus minutoides, is a wild mouse species with naturally occurring XY sex reversal induced by a third, feminizing X* chromosome, leading to three female genotypes: XX, XX* and X*Y. Here, we show that sex reversal in X*Y females shapes a divergent maternal care strategy (maternal aggression, pup retrieval and nesting behaviours) from both XX and XX* females. Although neuroanatomical investigations were inconclusive, we show that the dopaminergic system in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus is worth investigating further as it may support differences in pup retrieval behaviour between females. Combining behaviours and neurobiology in a rodent subject to natural selection, we evaluate potential candidates for the neural basis of maternal behaviours and strengthen the underestimated role of the sex chromosomes in shaping sex differences in brain and behaviours. All things considered, we further highlight the emergence of a third sexual phenotype, challenging the binary view of phenotypic sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise D. Heitzmann
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie Challe
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Perez
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Laia Castell
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Evelyne Galibert
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Agnès O. Martin
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Emmanuel Valjent
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Veyrunes
- ISEM, Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
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6
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Batdorj E, AlOgayil N, Zhuang QKW, Galvez JH, Bauermeister K, Nagata K, Kimura T, Ward MA, Taketo T, Bourque G, Naumova AK. Genetic variation in the Y chromosome and sex-biased DNA methylation in somatic cells in the mouse. Mamm Genome 2023; 34:44-55. [PMID: 36454369 PMCID: PMC9947081 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-022-09970-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that the presence of the Y chromosome influences DNA methylation of autosomal loci. To better understand the impact of the Y chromosome on autosomal DNA methylation patterns and its contribution to sex bias in methylation, we identified Y chromosome dependent differentially methylated regions (yDMRs) using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing methylation data from livers of mice with different combinations of sex-chromosome complement and gonadal sex. Nearly 90% of the autosomal yDMRs mapped to transposable elements (TEs) and most of them had lower methylation in XY compared to XX or XO mice. Follow-up analyses of four reporter autosomal yDMRs showed that Y-dependent methylation levels were consistent across most somatic tissues but varied in strains with different origins of the Y chromosome, suggesting that genetic variation in the Y chromosome influenced methylation levels of autosomal regions. Mice lacking the q-arm of the Y chromosome (B6.NPYq-2) as well as mice with a loss-of-function mutation in Kdm5d showed no differences in methylation levels compared to wild type mice. In conclusion, the Y-linked modifier of TE methylation is likely to reside on the short arm of Y chromosome and further studies are required to identify this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkhjin Batdorj
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1C7, Canada
| | - Najla AlOgayil
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1C7, Canada
| | - Qinwei Kim-Wee Zhuang
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1C7, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Jose Hector Galvez
- Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Klara Bauermeister
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1C7, Canada
| | - Kei Nagata
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, Kitasato University School of Science, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Tohru Kimura
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, Kitasato University School of Science, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, HonoluluHonolulu, HIHI, 96822, USA
| | - Teruko Taketo
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Guillaume Bourque
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1C7, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Anna K Naumova
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 1C7, Canada.
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
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7
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Landen S, Hiam D, Voisin S, Jacques M, Lamon S, Eynon N. Physiological and molecular sex differences in human skeletal muscle in response to exercise training. J Physiol 2023; 601:419-434. [PMID: 34762308 DOI: 10.1113/jp279499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in exercise physiology, such as substrate metabolism and skeletal muscle fatigability, stem from inherent biological factors, including endogenous hormones and genetics. Studies investigating exercise physiology frequently include only males or do not take sex differences into consideration. Although there is still an underrepresentation of female participants in exercise research, existing studies have identified sex differences in physiological and molecular responses to exercise training. The observed sex differences in exercise physiology are underpinned by the sex chromosome complement, sex hormones and, on a molecular level, the epigenome and transcriptome. Future research in the field should aim to include both sexes, control for menstrual cycle factors, conduct large-scale and ethnically diverse studies, conduct meta-analyses to consolidate findings from various studies, leverage unique cohorts (such as post-menopausal, transgender, and those with sex chromosome abnormalities), as well as integrate tissue and cell-specific -omics data. This knowledge is essential for developing deeper insight into sex-specific physiological responses to exercise training, thus directing future exercise physiology studies and practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanie Landen
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danielle Hiam
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.,Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sarah Voisin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Macsue Jacques
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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8
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Cabrera Zapata LE, Garcia-Segura LM, Cambiasso MJ, Arevalo MA. Genetics and Epigenetics of the X and Y Chromosomes in the Sexual Differentiation of the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012288. [PMID: 36293143 PMCID: PMC9603441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
For many decades to date, neuroendocrinologists have delved into the key contribution of gonadal hormones to the generation of sex differences in the developing brain and the expression of sex-specific physiological and behavioral phenotypes in adulthood. However, it was not until recent years that the role of sex chromosomes in the matter started to be seriously explored and unveiled beyond gonadal determination. Now we know that the divergent evolutionary process suffered by X and Y chromosomes has determined that they now encode mostly dissimilar genetic information and are subject to different epigenetic regulations, characteristics that together contribute to generate sex differences between XX and XY cells/individuals from the zygote throughout life. Here we will review and discuss relevant data showing how particular X- and Y-linked genes and epigenetic mechanisms controlling their expression and inheritance are involved, along with or independently of gonadal hormones, in the generation of sex differences in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. Cabrera Zapata
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
- Instituto Cajal (IC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Julia Cambiasso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
- Cátedra de Biología Celular, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
- Correspondence: (M.J.C.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Maria Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal (IC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.C.); (M.A.A.)
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9
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Sandovici I, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Hufnagel A, Constância M, Ozanne SE. Sex differences in the intergenerational inheritance of metabolic traits. Nat Metab 2022; 4:507-523. [PMID: 35637347 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Strong evidence suggests that early-life exposures to suboptimal environmental factors, including those in utero, influence our long-term metabolic health. This has been termed developmental programming. Mounting evidence suggests that the growth and metabolism of male and female fetuses differ. Therefore, sexual dimorphism in response to pre-conception or early-life exposures could contribute to known sex differences in susceptibility to poor metabolic health in adulthood. However, until recently, many studies, especially those in animal models, focused on a single sex, or, often in the case of studies performed during intrauterine development, did not report the sex of the animal at all. In this review, we (a) summarize the evidence that male and females respond differently to a suboptimal pre-conceptional or in utero environment, (b) explore the potential biological mechanisms that underlie these differences and (c) review the consequences of these differences for long-term metabolic health, including that of subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionel Sandovici
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonia Hufnagel
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Miguel Constância
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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10
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Landen S, Jacques M, Hiam D, Alvarez-Romero J, Harvey NR, Haupt LM, Griffiths LR, Ashton KJ, Lamon S, Voisin S, Eynon N. Skeletal muscle methylome and transcriptome integration reveals profound sex differences related to muscle function and substrate metabolism. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:202. [PMID: 34732242 PMCID: PMC8567658 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly all human complex traits and diseases exhibit some degree of sex differences, with epigenetics being one of the main contributing factors. Various tissues display sex differences in DNA methylation; however, this has not yet been explored in skeletal muscle, despite skeletal muscle being among the tissues with the most transcriptomic sex differences. For the first time, we investigated the effect of sex on autosomal DNA methylation in human skeletal muscle across three independent cohorts (Gene SMART, FUSION, and GSE38291) using a meta-analysis approach, totalling 369 human muscle samples (222 males and 147 females), and integrated this with known sex-biased transcriptomics. We found 10,240 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) at FDR < 0.005, 94% of which were hypomethylated in males, and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that differentially methylated genes were involved in muscle contraction and substrate metabolism. We then investigated biological factors underlying DNA methylation sex differences and found that circulating hormones were not associated with differential methylation at sex-biased DNA methylation loci; however, these sex-specific loci were enriched for binding sites of hormone-related transcription factors (with top TFs including androgen (AR), estrogen (ESR1), and glucocorticoid (NR3C1) receptors). Fibre type proportions were associated with differential methylation across the genome, as well as across 16% of sex-biased DNA methylation loci (FDR < 0.005). Integration of DNA methylomic results with transcriptomic data from the GTEx database and the FUSION cohort revealed 326 autosomal genes that display sex differences at both the epigenome and transcriptome levels. Importantly, transcriptional sex-biased genes were overrepresented among epigenetic sex-biased genes (p value = 4.6e−13), suggesting differential DNA methylation and gene expression between male and female muscle are functionally linked. Finally, we validated expression of three genes with large effect sizes (FOXO3A, ALDH1A1, and GGT7) in the Gene SMART cohort with qPCR. GGT7, involved in antioxidant metabolism, displays male-biased expression as well as lower methylation in males across the three cohorts. In conclusion, we uncovered 8420 genes that exhibit DNA methylation differences between males and females in human skeletal muscle that may modulate mechanisms controlling muscle metabolism and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanie Landen
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Macsue Jacques
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Danielle Hiam
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia.,Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Javier Alvarez-Romero
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Nicholas R Harvey
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4226, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave., Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave., Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Lyn R Griffiths
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave., Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Kevin J Ashton
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4226, Australia
| | - Séverine Lamon
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sarah Voisin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia.
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11
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Abstract
Significant sex differences exist across cellular, tissue organization, and body system scales to serve the distinct sex-specific functions required for reproduction. They are present in all animals that reproduce sexually and have widespread impacts on normal development, aging, and disease. Observed from the moment of fertilization, sex differences are patterned by sexual differentiation, a lifelong process that involves mechanisms related to sex chromosome complement and the epigenetic and acute activational effects of sex hormones. In this mini-review, we examine evidence for sex differences in cellular responses to DNA damage, their underlying mechanisms, and how they might relate to sex differences in cancer incidence and response to DNA-damaging treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Broestl
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joshua B Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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12
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Yu P, Chen Y, Ge C, Wang H. Sexual dimorphism in placental development and its contribution to health and diseases. Crit Rev Toxicol 2021; 51:555-570. [PMID: 34666604 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2021.1977237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
According to the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD), intrauterine exposure to adverse environments can affect fetus and birth outcomes and lead to long-term disease susceptibility. Evidence has shown that neonatal outcomes and the timing and severity of adult diseases are sexually dimorphic. As the link between mother and fetus, the placenta is an essential regulator of fetal development programming. It is found that the physiological development trajectory of the placenta has sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, under pathological conditions, the placental function undergoes sex-specific adaptation to ensure fetal survival. Therefore, the placenta may be an important mediator of sexual dimorphism in neonatal outcomes and adult disease susceptibility. Few systematic reviews have been conducted on sexual dimorphism in placental development and its underlying mechanisms. In this review, sex chromosomes and sex hormones, as the main reasons for sexual differentiation of the placenta, will be discussed. Besides, in the etiology of fetal-originated adult diseases, overexposure to glucocorticoids is closely related to adverse neonatal outcomes and long-term disease susceptibility. Studies have found that prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure leads to sexually dimorphic expression of placental glucocorticoid receptor isoforms, resulting in different sensitivity of the placenta to glucocorticoids, and may further affect fetal development. The present review examines what is currently known about sex differences in placental development and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of this sex bias. This review highlights the importance of placental contributions to the origins of sexual dimorphism in health and diseases. It may help develop personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for fetal development in pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxia Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyun Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
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13
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Migliore L, Nicolì V, Stoccoro A. Gender Specific Differences in Disease Susceptibility: The Role of Epigenetics. Biomedicines 2021; 9:652. [PMID: 34200989 PMCID: PMC8228628 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many complex traits or diseases, such as infectious and autoimmune diseases, cancer, xenobiotics exposure, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the outcome of vaccination, show a differential susceptibility between males and females. In general, the female immune system responds more efficiently to pathogens. However, this can lead to over-reactive immune responses, which may explain the higher presence of autoimmune diseases in women, but also potentially the more adverse effects of vaccination in females compared with in males. Many clinical and epidemiological studies reported, for the SARS-CoV-2 infection, a gender-biased differential response; however, the majority of reports dealt with a comparable morbidity, with males, however, showing higher COVID-19 adverse outcomes. Although gender differences in immune responses have been studied predominantly within the context of sex hormone effects, some other mechanisms have been invoked: cellular mosaicism, skewed X chromosome inactivation, genes escaping X chromosome inactivation, and miRNAs encoded on the X chromosome. The hormonal hypothesis as well as other mechanisms will be examined and discussed in the light of the most recent epigenetic findings in the field, as the concept that epigenetics is the unifying mechanism in explaining gender-specific differences is increasingly emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Medical School, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.N.); (A.S.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Nicolì
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Medical School, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.N.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Medical School, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.N.); (A.S.)
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14
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Deegan DF, Nigam P, Engel N. Sexual Dimorphism of the Heart: Genetics, Epigenetics, and Development. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:668252. [PMID: 34124200 PMCID: PMC8189176 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.668252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The democratization of genomic technologies has revealed profound sex biases in expression patterns in every adult tissue, even in organs with no conspicuous differences, such as the heart. With the increasing awareness of the disparities in cardiac pathophysiology between males and females, there are exciting opportunities to explore how sex differences in the heart are established developmentally. Although sexual dimorphism is traditionally attributed to hormonal influence, expression and epigenetic sex biases observed in early cardiac development can only be accounted for by the difference in sex chromosome composition, i.e., XX in females and XY in males. In fact, genes linked to the X and Y chromosomes, many of which encode regulatory factors, are expressed in cardiac progenitor cells and at every subsequent developmental stage. The effect of the sex chromosome composition may explain why many congenital heart defects originating before gonad formation exhibit sex biases in presentation, mortality, and morbidity. Some transcriptional and epigenetic sex biases established soon after fertilization persist in cardiac lineages, suggesting that early epigenetic events are perpetuated beyond early embryogenesis. Importantly, when sex hormones begin to circulate, they encounter a cardiac genome that is already functionally distinct between the sexes. Although there is a wealth of knowledge on the effects of sex hormones on cardiac function, we propose that sex chromosome-linked genes and their downstream targets also contribute to the differences between male and female hearts. Moreover, identifying how hormones influence sex chromosome effects, whether antagonistically or synergistically, will enhance our understanding of how sex disparities are established. We also explore the possibility that sexual dimorphism of the developing heart predicts sex-specific responses to environmental signals and foreshadows sex-biased health-related outcomes after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nora Engel
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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15
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Moriggi M, Belloli S, Barbacini P, Murtaj V, Torretta E, Chaabane L, Canu T, Penati S, Malosio ML, Esposito A, Gelfi C, Moresco RM, Capitanio D. Skeletal Muscle Proteomic Profile Revealed Gender-Related Metabolic Responses in a Diet-Induced Obesity Animal Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094680. [PMID: 33925229 PMCID: PMC8125379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic, complex pathology associated with a risk of developing secondary pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and musculoskeletal disorders. Since skeletal muscle accounts for more than 70% of total glucose disposal, metabolic alterations are strictly associated with the onset of insulin resistance and T2DM. The present study relies on the proteomic analysis of gastrocnemius muscle from 15 male and 15 female C56BL/J mice fed for 14 weeks with standard, 45% or 60% high-fat diets (HFD) adopting a label-free LC–MS/MS approach followed by bioinformatic pathway analysis. Results indicate changes in males due to HFD, with increased muscular stiffness (Col1a1, Col1a2, Actb), fiber-type switch from slow/oxidative to fast/glycolytic (decreased Myh7, Myl2, Myl3 and increased Myh2, Mylpf, Mybpc2, Myl1), increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (decreased respiratory chain complex I and V and increased complex III subunits). At variance, females show few alterations and activation of compensatory mechanisms to counteract the increase of fatty acids. Bioinformatics analysis allows identifying upstream molecules involved in regulating pathways identified at variance in our analysis (Ppargc1a, Pparg, Cpt1b, Clpp, Tp53, Kdm5a, Hif1a). These findings underline the presence of a gender-specific response to be considered when approaching obesity and related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Moriggi
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy;
| | - Sara Belloli
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, CNR, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (S.B.); (R.M.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Pietro Barbacini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (P.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Valentina Murtaj
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Linda Chaabane
- Experimental Imaging Center, Preclinical Imaging Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (T.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Tamara Canu
- Experimental Imaging Center, Preclinical Imaging Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (T.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Silvia Penati
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Neuro Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (S.P.); (M.L.M.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Humanitas Mirasole S.p.A, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Malosio
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Neuro Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (S.P.); (M.L.M.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Humanitas Mirasole S.p.A, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Experimental Imaging Center, Preclinical Imaging Facility, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.C.); (T.C.); (A.E.)
- Experimental Imaging Center, Radiology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (P.B.); (C.G.)
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy;
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, CNR, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (S.B.); (R.M.M.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Daniele Capitanio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy; (P.B.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0250330411
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16
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Genolet O, Monaco AA, Dunkel I, Boettcher M, Schulz EG. Identification of X-chromosomal genes that drive sex differences in embryonic stem cells through a hierarchical CRISPR screening approach. Genome Biol 2021; 22:110. [PMID: 33863351 PMCID: PMC8051100 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X-chromosomal genes contribute to sex differences, in particular during early development, when both X chromosomes are active in females. Double X-dosage shifts female pluripotent cells towards the naive stem cell state by increasing pluripotency factor expression, inhibiting the differentiation-promoting MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and delaying differentiation. RESULTS To identify the genetic basis of these sex differences, we use a two-step CRISPR screening approach to comprehensively identify X-linked genes that cause the female pluripotency phenotype in murine embryonic stem cells. A primary chromosome-wide CRISPR knockout screen and three secondary screens assaying for different aspects of the female pluripotency phenotype allow us to uncover multiple genes that act in concert and to disentangle their relative roles. Among them, we identify Dusp9 and Klhl13 as two central players. While Dusp9 mainly affects MAPK pathway intermediates, Klhl13 promotes pluripotency factor expression and delays differentiation, with both factors jointly repressing MAPK target gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Here, we elucidate the mechanisms that drive sex-induced differences in pluripotent cells and our approach serves as a blueprint to discover the genetic basis of the phenotypic consequences of other chromosomal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriana Genolet
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna A Monaco
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Present address: BIMSB, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilona Dunkel
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Boettcher
- Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Edda G Schulz
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.
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17
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Young AN, Perlas E, Ruiz-Blanes N, Hierholzer A, Pomella N, Martin-Martin B, Liverziani A, Jachowicz JW, Giannakouros T, Cerase A. Deletion of LBR N-terminal domains recapitulates Pelger-Huet anomaly phenotypes in mouse without disrupting X chromosome inactivation. Commun Biol 2021; 4:478. [PMID: 33846535 PMCID: PMC8041748 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01944-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding Lamin B receptor (LBR), a nuclear-membrane protein with sterol reductase activity, have been linked to rare human disorders. Phenotypes range from a benign blood disorder, such as Pelger-Huet anomaly (PHA), affecting the morphology and chromatin organization of white blood cells, to embryonic lethality as for Greenberg dysplasia (GRBGD). Existing PHA mouse models do not fully recapitulate the human phenotypes, hindering efforts to understand the molecular etiology of this disorder. Here we show, using CRISPR/Cas-9 gene editing technology, that a 236bp N-terminal deletion in the mouse Lbr gene, generating a protein missing the N-terminal domains of LBR, presents a superior model of human PHA. Further, we address recent reports of a link between Lbr and defects in X chromosome inactivation (XCI) and show that our mouse mutant displays minor X chromosome inactivation defects that do not lead to any overt phenotypes in vivo. We suggest that our N-terminal deletion model provides a valuable pre-clinical tool to the research community and will aid in further understanding the etiology of PHA and the diverse functions of LBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Neil Young
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo (RM), Italy
- Blizard Institute, Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Emerald Perlas
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo (RM), Italy
| | - Nerea Ruiz-Blanes
- Blizard Institute, Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Andreas Hierholzer
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo (RM), Italy
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Pomella
- Blizard Institute, Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Belen Martin-Martin
- Blizard Institute, Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Joanna W Jachowicz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Giannakouros
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotelian University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andrea Cerase
- EMBL-Rome, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo (RM), Italy.
- Blizard Institute, Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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18
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Arnold AP. Four Core Genotypes and XY* mouse models: Update on impact on SABV research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:1-8. [PMID: 32980399 PMCID: PMC7736196 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The impact of two mouse models is reviewed, the Four Core Genotypes and XY* models. The models are useful for determining if the causes of sex differences in phenotypes are either hormonal or sex chromosomal, or both. Used together, the models also can distinguish between the effects of X or Y chromosome genes that contribute to sex differences in phenotypes. To date, the models have been used to uncover sex chromosome contributions to sex differences in a wide variety of phenotypes, including brain and behavior, autoimmunity and immunity, cardiovascular disease, metabolism, and Alzheimer's Disease. In some cases, use of the models has been a strategy leading to discovery of specific X or Y genes that protect from or exacerbate disease. Sex chromosome and hormonal factors interact, in some cases to reduce the effects of each other. Future progress will come from more extensive application of these models, and development of similar models in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, UCLA, 610 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7239, United States.
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19
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Zhuang QKW, Galvez JH, Xiao Q, AlOgayil N, Hyacinthe J, Taketo T, Bourque G, Naumova AK. Sex Chromosomes and Sex Phenotype Contribute to Biased DNA Methylation in Mouse Liver. Cells 2020; 9:E1436. [PMID: 32527045 PMCID: PMC7349295 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex biases in the genome-wide distribution of DNA methylation and gene expression levels are some of the manifestations of sexual dimorphism in mammals. To advance our understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to sex biases in DNA methylation and gene expression, we conducted whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) as well as RNA-seq on liver samples from mice with different combinations of sex phenotype and sex-chromosome complement. We compared groups of animals with different sex phenotypes, but the same genetic sexes, and vice versa, same sex phenotypes, but different sex-chromosome complements. We also compared sex-biased DNA methylation in mouse and human livers. Our data show that sex phenotype, X-chromosome dosage, and the presence of Y chromosome shape the differences in DNA methylation between males and females. We also demonstrate that sex bias in autosomal methylation is associated with sex bias in gene expression, whereas X-chromosome dosage-dependent methylation differences are not, as expected for a dosage-compensation mechanism. Furthermore, we find partial conservation between the repertoires of mouse and human genes that are associated with sex-biased methylation, an indication that gene function is likely to be an important factor in this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinwei Kim-Wee Zhuang
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1C7, Canada; (Q.K.-W.Z.); (N.A.)
| | - Jose Hector Galvez
- Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics, Montréal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada;
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Najla AlOgayil
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1C7, Canada; (Q.K.-W.Z.); (N.A.)
| | - Jeffrey Hyacinthe
- Department of Quantitative Life Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada;
| | - Teruko Taketo
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Guillaume Bourque
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1C7, Canada; (Q.K.-W.Z.); (N.A.)
- Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics, Montréal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada;
| | - Anna K. Naumova
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1C7, Canada; (Q.K.-W.Z.); (N.A.)
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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20
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Nyasordzi J, Penczynski K, Remer T, Buyken AE. Early life factors and their relevance to intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in early adulthood. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233227. [PMID: 32428029 PMCID: PMC7237005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life factors may predispose an offspring to cardiovascular disease in later life; relevance of these associations may extend to ‟healthy" people in Western populations. We examined the prospective associations between early life factors and adult carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis, in a healthy German population. METHODS We studied term participants (n = 265) of the DONALD Study, with bilateral sonographic measurements of IMT (4-8 measurements on both left and right carotid artery) at age 18-40 years and prospectively collected data on early life factors (maternal and paternal age at child birth, birth weight, gestational weight gain and full breastfeeding (>17weeks). Mean IMT values were averaged from mean values of both sides. Associations between early life factors and adult IMT were analyzed using multivariable linear regression models with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS Adult mean IMT was 0.56mm, SD 0.03, (range: 0.41 mm-0.78 mm). Maternal age at child birth was of relevance for adult IMT, which was sex specific: Advanced maternal age at child birth was associated with an increased adult IMT among female offspring only (β 0.03, SE 0.009 mm/decade, P = 0.003), this was not affected by adult waist circumference, BMI or blood pressure. Other early life factors were not relevant for IMT levels in males and females. CONCLUSION This study suggests that advanced maternal age at child birth is of prospective relevance for adult IMT levels in a healthy German population and this association may be of adverse relevance for females only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Nyasordzi
- Department of Sports and Health, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany
- University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Katharina Penczynski
- Department of Sports and Health, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Thomas Remer
- DONALD Study Dortmund, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences (IEL), Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Anette E. Buyken
- Department of Sports and Health, Institute of Nutrition, Consumption and Health, Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany
- * E-mail:
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21
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Rubin JB, Lagas JS, Broestl L, Sponagel J, Rockwell N, Rhee G, Rosen SF, Chen S, Klein RS, Imoukhuede P, Luo J. Sex differences in cancer mechanisms. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:17. [PMID: 32295632 PMCID: PMC7161126 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00291-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We now know that cancer is many different diseases, with great variation even within a single histological subtype. With the current emphasis on developing personalized approaches to cancer treatment, it is astonishing that we have not yet systematically incorporated the biology of sex differences into our paradigms for laboratory and clinical cancer research. While some sex differences in cancer arise through the actions of circulating sex hormones, other sex differences are independent of estrogen, testosterone, or progesterone levels. Instead, these differences are the result of sexual differentiation, a process that involves genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, in addition to acute sex hormone actions. Sexual differentiation begins with fertilization and continues beyond menopause. It affects virtually every body system, resulting in marked sex differences in such areas as growth, lifespan, metabolism, and immunity, all of which can impact on cancer progression, treatment response, and survival. These organismal level differences have correlates at the cellular level, and thus, males and females can fundamentally differ in their protections and vulnerabilities to cancer, from cellular transformation through all stages of progression, spread, and response to treatment. Our goal in this review is to cover some of the robust sex differences that exist in core cancer pathways and to make the case for inclusion of sex as a biological variable in all laboratory and clinical cancer research. We finish with a discussion of lab- and clinic-based experimental design that should be used when testing whether sex matters and the appropriate statistical models to apply in data analysis for rigorous evaluations of potential sex effects. It is our goal to facilitate the evaluation of sex differences in cancer in order to improve outcomes for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Joseph S Lagas
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lauren Broestl
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jasmin Sponagel
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nathan Rockwell
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Gina Rhee
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Sarah F Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Princess Imoukhuede
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jingqin Luo
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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22
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Deegan DF, Engel N. Sexual Dimorphism in the Age of Genomics: How, When, Where. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:186. [PMID: 31552249 PMCID: PMC6743004 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sex chromosomes start to program autosomal gene expression and epigenetic patterns very soon after fertilization. Yet whether the resulting sex differences are perpetuated throughout development and how they connect to the sex-specific expression patterns in adult tissues is not known. There is a dearth of information on the timing and continuity of sex biases during development. It is also unclear whether sex-specific selection operates during embryogenesis. On the other hand, there is mounting evidence that all adult tissues exhibit sex-specific expression patterns, some of which are independent of hormonal influence and due to intrinsic regulatory effects of the sex chromosome constitution. There are many diseases with origins during embryogenesis that also exhibit sex biases. Epigenetics has provided us with viable mechanisms to explain how the genome stores the memory of developmental events. We propose that some of these marks can be traced back to the sex chromosomes, which interact with the autosomes and establish sex-specific epigenetic features soon after fertilization. Sex-biased epigenetic marks that linger after reprograming may reveal themselves at the transcriptional level at later developmental stages and possibly, throughout the lifespan. Detailed molecular information on the ontogeny of sex biases would also elucidate the sex-specific selective pressures operating on embryos and how compensatory mechanisms evolved to resolve sexual conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nora Engel
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Tahira AC, Barbosa AR, Feltrin AS, Gastaldi VD, de Toledo VHC, de Carvalho Pereira JG, Lisboa BCG, de Souza Reis VN, dos Santos ACF, Maschietto M, Brentani H. Putative contributions of the sex chromosome proteins SOX3 and SRY to neurodevelopmental disorders. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:390-414. [PMID: 30537354 PMCID: PMC6767407 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The male-biased prevalence of certain neurodevelopmental disorders and the sex-biased outcomes associated with stress exposure during gestation have been previously described. Here, we hypothesized that genes distinctively targeted by only one or both homologous proteins highly conserved across therian mammals, SOX3 and SRY, could induce sexual adaptive changes that result in a differential risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. ChIP-seq/chip data showed that SOX3/SRY gene targets were expressed in different brain cell types in mice. We used orthologous human genes in rodent genomes to extend the number of SOX3/SRY set (1,721). These genes were later found to be enriched in five modules of coexpressed genes during the early and mid-gestation periods (FDR < 0.05), independent of sexual hormones. Genes with differential expression (24, p < 0.0001) and methylation (40, p < 0.047) between sexes were overrepresented in this set. Exclusive SOX3 or SRY target genes were more associated with the late gestational and postnatal periods. Using autism as a model sex-biased disorder, the SOX3/SRY set was enriched in autism gene databases (FDR ≤ 0.05), and there were more de novo variations from the male autism spectrum disorder (ASD) samples under the SRY peaks compared to the random peaks (p < 0.024). The comparison of coexpressed networks of SOX3/SRY target genes between male autism and control samples revealed low preservation in gene modules related to stress response (99 genes) and neurogenesis (78 genes). This study provides evidence that while SOX3 is a regulatory mechanism for both sexes, the male-exclusive SRY also plays a role in gene regulation, suggesting a potential mechanism for sex bias in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Tahira
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | - André Rocha Barbosa
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
- Inter‐institutional Grad Program on BioinformaticsUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSPBrazil
| | | | - Vinicius Daguano Gastaldi
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | - Victor Hugo Calegari de Toledo
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | | | - Bianca Cristina Garcia Lisboa
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | - Viviane Neri de Souza Reis
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
| | - Ana Cecília Feio dos Santos
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Básicas em Malária – EntomologiaSeção de Parasitologia – Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MSAnanindeuaPABrazil
| | - Mariana Maschietto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio)Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM)CampinasSPBrazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- LIM23, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
- Inter‐institutional Grad Program on BioinformaticsUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSPBrazil
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao PauloSPBrazil
- National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents (INPD)Sao PauloSPBrazil
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSPUniversidade de Sao PauloSao PauloSPBrazil
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24
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Microglia along sex lines: From brain colonization, maturation and function, to implication in neurodevelopmental disorders. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 94:152-163. [PMID: 31201858 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In addition to their traditional role as immune sentinels, recent discoveries over the last decade have shown that microglial functions now include regulation of neuronal/glial cell migration, differentiation and maturation, as well as neuronal network formation. It was thus proposed that disruption of these microglial roles, during critical periods of brain development, could lead to the pathological onset of several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. The prevalence of these disorders exhibits a clear distinction along sex lines with very little known about the mechanisms underlying this difference. One of the fundamental discoveries that arose from recent research into the physiological roles of microglia in neurodevelopment is their sexual dimorphism, raising the intriguing possibility that sex differences in microglial colonization, maturation and/or function in the developing brain could underlie the emergence of various neurodevelopmental disorders. This review discusses the physiological roles of microglia across neurodevelopment, these roles in the two sexes, and the recent evidence that microglial sexually dimorphic nature may contribute, at least partially, to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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25
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Arnold AP. The mouse as a model of fundamental concepts related to Turner syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:76-85. [PMID: 30779420 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although XO mice do not show many of the overt phenotypic features of Turner syndrome (TS; 45,X or XO), mice and humans share different classes of genes on the X chromosome that are more or less likely to cause TS phenotypes. Based on the evolutionary history of the sex chromosomes, and the pattern of dosage balancing among sex chromosomal and autosomal genes in functional gene networks, it is possible to prioritize types of X genes for study as potential causes of features of TS. For example, X-Y gene pairs are among the most interesting because of the convergent effects of X and Y genes that both are likely to prevent the effects of TS in XX and XY individuals. Many of the high-priority genes are shared by mouse and human X chromosomes, but are easier to study in genetically tractable mouse models. Several mouse models, used primarily for the study of sex differences in physiology and disease, also produce XO mice that can be investigated to understand the effects of X monosomy. Using these models will lead to the identification of specific X genes that make a difference when present in one or two copies. These studies will help to achieve a better appreciation of the contribution of these specific X genes to the syndromic features of TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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26
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Abstract
Fundamental differences exist between males and females, encompassing anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and genetics. Such differences undoubtedly play a part in the well documented, yet poorly understood, disparity in disease susceptibility between the sexes. Although traditionally attributed to gonadal sex hormone effects, recent work has begun to shed more light on the contribution of genetics - and in particular the sex chromosomes - to these sexual dimorphisms. Here, we explore the accumulating evidence for a significant genetic component to mammalian sexual dimorphism through the paradigm of sex chromosome evolution. The differences between the extant X and Y chromosomes, at both a sequence and regulatory level, arose across 166 million years. A functional result of these differences is cell autonomous sexual dimorphism. By understanding the process that changed a pair of homologous ancestral autosomes into the extant mammalian X and Y, we believe it easier to consider the mechanisms that may contribute to hormone-independent male-female differences. We highlight key roles for genes with homologues present on both sex chromosomes, where the X-linked copy escapes X chromosome inactivation. Finally, we summarise current experimental paradigms and suggest areas for developments to further increase our understanding of cell autonomous sexual dimorphism in the context of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Snell
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James M A Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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27
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Insights into the Etiology of Mammalian Neural Tube Closure Defects from Developmental, Genetic and Evolutionary Studies. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:jdb6030022. [PMID: 30134561 PMCID: PMC6162505 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6030022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human neural tube defects (NTD), anencephaly, spina bifida and craniorachischisis, originate from a failure of the embryonic neural tube to close. Human NTD are relatively common and both complex and heterogeneous in genetic origin, but the genetic variants and developmental mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we review the numerous studies, mainly in mice, of normal neural tube closure, the mechanisms of failure caused by specific gene mutations, and the evolution of the vertebrate cranial neural tube and its genetic processes, seeking insights into the etiology of human NTD. We find evidence of many regions along the anterior–posterior axis each differing in some aspect of neural tube closure—morphology, cell behavior, specific genes required—and conclude that the etiology of NTD is likely to be partly specific to the anterior–posterior location of the defect and also genetically heterogeneous. We revisit the hypotheses explaining the excess of females among cranial NTD cases in mice and humans and new developments in understanding the role of the folate pathway in NTD. Finally, we demonstrate that evidence from mouse mutants strongly supports the search for digenic or oligogenic etiology in human NTD of all types.
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Genes and Pathways Regulated by Androgens in Human Neural Cells, Potential Candidates for the Male Excess in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:239-252. [PMID: 29428674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to androgens during brain development in male individuals may participate to increase their susceptibility to develop neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. However, little is known about the action of androgens in human neural cells. METHODS We used human neural stem cells differentiated from embryonic stem cells to investigate targets of androgens. RESULTS RNA sequencing revealed that treatment with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) leads to subtle but significant changes in the expression of about 200 genes, encoding proteins of extracellular matrix or involved in signal transduction of growth factors (e.g., insulin/insulin growth factor 1). We showed that the most differentially expressed genes (DEGs), RGCC, RNF144B, NRCAM, TRIM22, FAM107A, IGFBP5, and LAMA2, are reproducibly regulated by different androgens in different genetic backgrounds. We showed, by overexpressing the androgen receptor in neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y or knocking it down in human neural stem cells, that this regulation involves the androgen receptor. A chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with direct sequencing analysis identified androgen receptor-bound sequences in nearly half of the DHT-DEGs and in numerous other genes. DHT-DEGs appear enriched in genes involved in ASD (ASXL3, NLGN4X, etc.), associated with ASD (NRCAM), or differentially expressed in patients with ASD (FAM107A, IGFBP5). Androgens increase human neural stem cell proliferation and survival in nutrient-deprived culture conditions, with no detectable effect on regulation of neurite outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS We characterized androgen action in neural progenitor cells, identifying DHT-DEGs that appear to be enriched in genes related to ASD. We also showed that androgens increase proliferation of neuronal precursors and protect them from death during their differentiation in nutrient-deprived conditions.
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29
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Engel N. Sex Differences in Early Embryogenesis: Inter-Chromosomal Regulation Sets the Stage for Sex-Biased Gene Networks: The dialogue between the sex chromosomes and autosomes imposes sexual identity soon after fertilization. Bioessays 2018; 40:e1800073. [PMID: 29943439 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sex-specific transcriptional and epigenomic profiles are detectable in the embryo very soon after fertilization. I propose that in male (XY) and female (XX) pre-implantation embryos sex chromosomes establish sexually dimorphic interactions with the autosomes, before overt differences become apparent and long before gonadogenesis. Lineage determination restricts expression biases between the sexes, but the epigenetic differences are less constrained and can be perpetuated, accounting for dimorphisms that arise later in life. In this way, sexual identity is registered in the epigenome very early in development. As development progresses, sex-specific regulatory modules are harbored within shared transcriptional networks that delineate common traits. In reviewing this field, I propose that analyzing the mechanisms for sexual dimorphisms at the molecular and biochemical level and incorporating developmental and environmental factors will lead to a greater understanding of sex differences in health and disease. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/9BPlbrHtkHQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Engel
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University - Fels Institute for Cancer Research, 3400 North Broad St., AHB Room 201, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19140, USA
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30
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Rajpathak SN, Deobagkar DD. Aneuploidy: an important model system to understand salient aspects of functional genomics. Brief Funct Genomics 2018; 17:181-190. [PMID: 29228117 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elx041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining a balance in gene dosage and protein activity is essential to sustain normal cellular functions. Males and females have a wide range of genetic as well as epigenetic differences, where X-linked gene dosage is an essential regulatory factor. Basic understanding of gene dosage maintenance has emerged from the studies carried out using mouse models with FCG (four core genotype) and chromosomal aneuploidy as well as from mono-chromosomal hybrid cells. In mammals, aneuploidy often leads to embryonic lethality particularly in early development with major developmental and structural abnormalities. Thus, in-depth analysis of the causes and consequences of gene dosage alterations is needed to unravel its effects on basic cellular and developmental functions as well as in understanding its medical implications. Cells isolated from individuals with naturally occurring chromosomal aneuploidy can be considered as true representatives, as these cells have stable chromosomal alterations/gene dosage imbalance, which have occurred by modulation of the basic molecular machinery. Therefore, innovative use of these natural aneuploidy cells/organisms with recent molecular and high-throughput techniques will provide an understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in gene dosage balance and the related consequences for functional genomics.
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31
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Zore T, Palafox M, Reue K. Sex differences in obesity, lipid metabolism, and inflammation-A role for the sex chromosomes? Mol Metab 2018; 15:35-44. [PMID: 29706320 PMCID: PMC6066740 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences in obesity and related diseases are well established. Gonadal hormones are a major determinant of these sex differences. However, sex differences in body size and composition are evident prior to exposure to gonadal hormones, providing evidence for gonadal-independent contributions attributable to the XX or XY sex chromosome complement. Large-scale genetic studies have revealed male/female differences in the genetic architecture of adipose tissue amount and anatomical distribution. However, these studies have typically neglected the X and Y chromosomes. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW Here we discuss how the sex chromosome complement may influence obesity, lipid levels, and inflammation. Human sex chromosome anomalies such as Klinefelter syndrome (XXY), as well as mouse models with engineered alterations in sex chromosome complement, support an important role for sex chromosomes in obesity and metabolism. In particular, the Four Core Genotypes mouse model-consisting of XX mice with either ovaries or testes, and XY mice with either ovaries or testes-has revealed an effect of X chromosome dosage on adiposity, hyperlipidemia, and inflammation irrespective of male or female gonads. Mechanisms may include enhanced expression of genes that escape X chromosome inactivation. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Although less well studied than effects of gonadal hormones, sex chromosomes exert independent and interactive effects on adiposity, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. In particular, the presence of two X chromosomes has been associated with increased adiposity and dyslipidemia in mouse models and in XXY men. The enhanced expression of genes that escape X chromosome inactivation may contribute, but more work is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temeka Zore
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Maria Palafox
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Karen Reue
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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32
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Ho B, Greenlaw K, Al Tuwaijri A, Moussette S, Martínez F, Giorgio E, Brusco A, Ferrero GB, Linhares ND, Valadares ER, Svartman M, Kalscheuer VM, Rodríguez Criado G, Laprise C, Greenwood CMT, Naumova AK. X chromosome dosage and presence of SRY shape sex-specific differences in DNA methylation at an autosomal region in human cells. Biol Sex Differ 2018; 9:10. [PMID: 29463315 PMCID: PMC5819645 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dimorphism in DNA methylation levels is a recurrent epigenetic feature in different human cell types and has been implicated in predisposition to disease, such as psychiatric and autoimmune disorders. To elucidate the genetic origins of sex-specific DNA methylation, we examined DNA methylation levels in fibroblast cell lines and blood cells from individuals with different combinations of sex chromosome complements and sex phenotypes focusing on a single autosomal region--the differentially methylated region (DMR) in the promoter of the zona pellucida binding protein 2 (ZPBP2) as a reporter. RESULTS Our data show that the presence of the sex determining region Y (SRY) was associated with lower methylation levels, whereas higher X chromosome dosage in the absence of SRY led to an increase in DNA methylation levels at the ZPBP2 DMR. We mapped the X-linked modifier of DNA methylation to the long arm of chromosome X (Xq13-q21) and tested the impact of mutations in the ATRX and RLIM genes, located in this region, on methylation levels. Neither ATRX nor RLIM mutations influenced ZPBP2 methylation in female carriers. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that sex-specific methylation differences at the autosomal locus result from interaction between a Y-linked factor SRY and at least one X-linked factor that acts in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Ho
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Abeer Al Tuwaijri
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sanny Moussette
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), 1001 Decarie Blvd., Bloc E, Room EM03226, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Francisco Martínez
- Unidad de Genética, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elisa Giorgio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Natália D Linhares
- Setor de Citogenética, Laboratório Central do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eugênia R Valadares
- Departamento de Propedêutica Complementar, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Ambulatório de Erros Inatos do Metabolismo, Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marta Svartman
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vera M Kalscheuer
- Research Group Development and Disease, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Catherine Laprise
- Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Saguenay, Lac-Saint-Jean, Saguenay, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Québec, Canada
| | - Celia M T Greenwood
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Lady Davis Research Institute, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Oncology and Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anna K Naumova
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), 1001 Decarie Blvd., Bloc E, Room EM03226, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Perry LM, Goldstein-Piekarski AN, Williams LM. Sex differences modulating serotonergic polymorphisms implicated in the mechanistic pathways of risk for depression and related disorders. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:737-762. [PMID: 27870440 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite consistent observations of sex differences in depression and related emotional disorders, we do not yet know how these sex differences modulate the effects of genetic polymorphisms implicated in risk for these disorders. This Mini-Review focuses on genetic polymorphisms of the serotonergic system to illustrate how sex differences might modulate the neurobiological pathways involved in the development of depression. We consider the interacting role of environmental factors such as early-life stress. Given limited current knowledge about this topic, we highlight methodological considerations, challenges, and guidelines for future research. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeeAnn M Perry
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Andrea N Goldstein-Piekarski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Leanne M Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
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Pérez-Cerezales S, Ramos-Ibeas P, Rizos D, Lonergan P, Bermejo-Alvarez P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Early sex-dependent differences in response to environmental stress. Reproduction 2017; 155:R39-R51. [PMID: 29030490 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Developmental plasticity enables the appearance of long-term effects in offspring caused by exposure to environmental stressors during embryonic and foetal life. These long-term effects can be traced to pre- and post-implantation development, and in both cases, the effects are usually sex specific. During preimplantation development, male and female embryos exhibit an extensive transcriptional dimorphism mainly driven by incomplete X chromosome inactivation. These early developmental stages are crucial for the establishment of epigenetic marks that will be conserved throughout development, making it a particularly susceptible period for the appearance of long-term epigenetic-based phenotypes. Later in development, gonadal formation generates hormonal differences between the sexes, and male and female placentae exhibit different responses to environmental stressors. The maternal environment, including hormones and environmental insults during pregnancy, contributes to sex-specific placental development that controls genetic and epigenetic programming during foetal development, regulating sex-specific differences, including sex-specific epigenetic responses to environmental hazards, leading to long-term effects. This review summarizes several human and animal studies examining sex-specific responses to environmental stressors during both the periconception period (caused by differences in sex chromosome dosage) and placental development (caused by both sex chromosomes and hormones). The identification of relevant sex-dependent trajectories caused by sex chromosomes and/or sex hormones is essential to define diagnostic markers and prevention/intervention protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Sex chromosomes drive gene expression and regulatory dimorphisms in mouse embryonic stem cells. Biol Sex Differ 2017; 8:28. [PMID: 28818098 PMCID: PMC5561606 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-017-0150-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-implantation embryos exhibit sexual dimorphisms in both primates and rodents. To determine whether these differences reflected sex-biased expression patterns, we generated transcriptome profiles for six 40,XX, six 40,XY, and two 39,X mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells by RNA sequencing. RESULTS We found hundreds of coding and non-coding RNAs that were differentially expressed between male and female cells. Surprisingly, the majority of these were autosomal and included RNA encoding transcription and epigenetic and chromatin remodeling factors. We showed differential Prdm14-responsive enhancer activity in male and female cells, correlating with the sex-specific levels of Prdm14 expression. This is the first time sex-specific enhancer activity in ES cells has been reported. Evaluation of X-linked gene expression patterns between our XX and XY lines revealed four distinct categories: (1) genes showing 2-fold greater expression in the female cells; (2) a set of genes with expression levels well above 2-fold in female cells; (3) genes with equivalent RNA levels in male and female cells; and strikingly, (4) a small number of genes with higher expression in the XY lines. Further evaluation of autosomal gene expression revealed differential expression of imprinted loci, despite appropriate parent-of-origin patterns. The 39,X lines aligned closely with the XY cells and provided insights into potential regulation of genes associated with Turner syndrome in humans. Moreover, inclusion of the 39,X lines permitted three-way comparisons, delineating X and Y chromosome-dependent patterns. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results support the role of the sex chromosomes in establishing sex-specific networks early in embryonic development and provide insights into effects of sex chromosome aneuploidies originating at those stages.
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Morselli E, Santos RS, Criollo A, Nelson MD, Palmer BF, Clegg DJ. The effects of oestrogens and their receptors on cardiometabolic health. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2017; 13:352-364. [PMID: 28304393 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2017.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in developed countries. The incidence of CVD is sexually dimorphic, and research has focused on the contribution of sex steroids to the development and progression of the cardiometabolic syndrome, which is defined as a clustering of interrelated risk factors that promote the development of atherosclerosis (which can lead to CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data are inconclusive as to how sex steroids and their respective receptors increase or suppress the risk of developing the cardiometabolic syndrome and thus CVD. In this Review, we discuss the potential role, or roles, of sex hormones in cardiometabolic health by first focusing on the influence of oestrogens and their receptors on the risk of developing cardiometabolic syndrome and CVD. We also highlight what is known about testosterone and its potential role in protecting against the development of the cardiometabolic syndrome and CVD. Given the inconclusive nature of the data regarding the direct effects of each sex hormone, we advocate and highlight the importance of studying the relative levels and the ratio of sex hormones to each other, as well as the use of cross sex hormone therapy and its effect on cardiometabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Morselli
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Roberta S Santos
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas 1, 3083-864, Brazil
- Cedars-Sinai Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Department of Biomedical Research, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
| | - Alfredo Criollo
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS) and Center for Molecular Studies of the Cell (CEMC), Santiago 8380000, Chile
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Odontológicas (ICOD), Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Michael D Nelson
- Applied Physiology and Advanced Imaging Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas 76019, USA
| | - Biff F Palmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Deborah J Clegg
- Cedars-Sinai Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Department of Biomedical Research, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
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de Souza Santos R, Frank AP, Nelson MD, Garcia MM, Palmer BF, Clegg DJ. Sex, Gender, and Transgender: Metabolic Impact of Cross Hormone Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1043:611-627. [PMID: 29224113 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-70178-3_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most preclinical and clinical, animal, and human research has been biased with respect to sex and even more so with respect to gender. In fact, little is known about the impact of sex and even less about the influence of gender on overall metabolic processes. The National Institutes of Health has recognized this gap in scientific knowledge and now mandates that studies be conducted in both sexes and to include gender as variables influencing physiological processes such as metabolism. It is therefore critical to understand and appreciate how to incorporate sex and gender in preclinical and clinical research in order to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which metabolic processes differ by sex and gender. In this chapter, we define sex and gender and discuss when sex and gender are not aligned, such as that which occurs in transgender individuals, and how this impacts metabolic processes. We discuss the importance of understanding the influence and interactions between sex hormones and sex chromosomes rather than focusing on their relative contributions to metabolism in isolation. This knowledge will optimize therapies specific for individuals which need to encompass sex and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta de Souza Santos
- Biomedical Research Department, Diabetes and Obesity Research Division, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aaron P Frank
- Biomedical Research Department, Diabetes and Obesity Research Division, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Douglas Nelson
- Applied Physiology and Advanced Imaging Lab, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA.,Kinesiology, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA.,Bioengineering, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA.,Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Maurice M Garcia
- Division of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Transgender Surgery and Health Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Biff F Palmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Deborah J Clegg
- Biomedical Research Department, Diabetes and Obesity Research Division, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Burgoyne PS, Arnold AP. A primer on the use of mouse models for identifying direct sex chromosome effects that cause sex differences in non-gonadal tissues. Biol Sex Differ 2016; 7:68. [PMID: 27999654 PMCID: PMC5154145 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-016-0115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In animals with heteromorphic sex chromosomes, all sex differences originate from the sex chromosomes, which are the only factors that are consistently different in male and female zygotes. In mammals, the imbalance in Y gene expression, specifically the presence vs. absence of Sry, initiates the differentiation of testes in males, setting up lifelong sex differences in the level of gonadal hormones, which in turn cause many sex differences in the phenotype of non-gonadal tissues. The inherent imbalance in the expression of X and Y genes, or in the epigenetic impact of X and Y chromosomes, also has the potential to contribute directly to the sexual differentiation of non-gonadal cells. Here, we review the research strategies to identify the X and Y genes or chromosomal regions that cause direct, sexually differentiating effects on non-gonadal cells. Some mouse models are useful for separating the effects of sex chromosomes from those of gonadal hormones. Once direct “sex chromosome effects” are detected in these models, further studies are required to narrow down the list of candidate X and/or Y genes and then to identify the sexually differentiating genes themselves. Logical approaches to the search for these genes are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Burgoyne
- Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, Mill Hill Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, The Ridgeway, London, NW7 1AA UK
| | - Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 610 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7239 USA
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Sanchis-Segura C, Becker JB. Why we should consider sex (and study sex differences) in addiction research. Addict Biol 2016; 21:995-1006. [PMID: 27029841 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Among mammals, every cell has a biological sex, and the sex of an individual pervades its body and brain. In this review, we describe the processes through which mammals become phenotypically male or female by organizational and activational influences of genes and hormones throughout development. We emphasized that the molecular and cellular changes triggered by sex chromosomes and steroid hormones may generate sex differences in overt physiological functions and behavior, but they may alternatively promote end-point convergences between males and females. Clinical and pre-clinical evidences suggest that sex and gender differences modulate drug consumption as well as of the transition towards drug-promoted pathological states such as dependence and addiction. Additionally, sex differences in drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will also influence dependence and addiction as well as side effects of drugs. These effects will further interact with socially gendered factors to result in sex differences in the access to, engagement in and efficacy of any therapeutic attempt. Finally, we maintain that 'sex sameness' is as important as 'sex differences' when building a complete understanding of biology for both males and females and provide a framework with which to classify and guide investigation into the mechanisms mediating sex differences and sex sameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sanchis-Segura
- Departament de Psicologia básica, clínica i psicobiologia. Área de Psicobiología; Universitat Jaume I; Castellón de la Plana Spain
| | - Jill B. Becker
- Department of Psychology and Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI USA
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Morselli E, Frank AP, Santos RS, Fátima LA, Palmer BF, Clegg DJ. Sex and Gender: Critical Variables in Pre-Clinical and Clinical Medical Research. Cell Metab 2016; 24:203-9. [PMID: 27508869 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In this Essay, we discuss the critical need to incorporate sex and gender in pre-clinical and clinical research to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which metabolic processes differ by sex and gender. This knowledge will allow for development of personalized medicine which will optimize therapies specific for individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Morselli
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Aaron P Frank
- Department of Biomedical Research, Cedars-Sinai Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Roberta S Santos
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Biologia, e Centro de Pesquisa em Obesidade e Comorbidades, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Luciana A Fátima
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Biff F Palmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Deborah J Clegg
- Department of Biomedical Research, Cedars-Sinai Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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Disteche CM. Dosage compensation of the sex chromosomes and autosomes. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 56:9-18. [PMID: 27112542 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Males are XY and females are XX in most mammalian species. Other species such as birds have a different sex chromosome make-up: ZZ in males and ZW in females. In both types of organisms one of the sex chromosomes, Y or W, has degenerated due to lack of recombination with its respective homolog X or Z. Since autosomes are present in two copies in diploid organisms the heterogametic sex has become a natural "aneuploid" with haploinsufficiency for X- or Z-linked genes. Specific mechanisms have evolved to restore a balance between critical gene products throughout the genome and between males and females. Some of these mechanisms were co-opted from and/or added to compensatory processes that alleviate autosomal aneuploidy. Surprisingly, several modes of dosage compensation have evolved. In this review we will consider the evidence for dosage compensation and the molecular mechanisms implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Disteche
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St. Seattle, WA 98115, USA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St. Seattle, WA 98115, USA.
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Abstract
This article is intended to illuminate several important changes in our concept of gender-specific medicine in the genomic era. It reviews the history of gender-specific medicine, pointing out the changes in our perception of the nature of biological sex and our expanding knowledge of how it affects the phenotype. The old debate about 'nature versus nurture' is now largely resolved; the two are inextricably intertwined as a result of epigenomic regulation of gene expression; many of the resulting phenotypic changes are inherited and affect future generations. More accurate, rapid and cheaper methods of editing genomic composition are implementing a more sophisticated understanding of how genes function and how individual components of the genome might be added or eliminated to maintain health and prevent disease. As Venter predicted, the new discipline of synthetic biology, based on the creation and use of novel 'designer' chromosomes is an inevitable expansion of our ability to decipher the naturally occurring genome and the factors that control its expression. As we move with unexpected and stunning rapidity into our exploration and manipulation of the genetic code, our investigations must acknowledge the solidly established fact that biological sex will have a profound impact on the interventions we have made and will make in the future. Unfortunately, in spite of the recent urging of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that sex be included as an essential variable in all levels of scientific investigation, genuine issues remain to be resolved before all scientists accept not only the importance of doing this, but also how to implement it.
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Arnold AP, Reue K, Eghbali M, Vilain E, Chen X, Ghahramani N, Itoh Y, Li J, Link JC, Ngun T, Williams-Burris SM. The importance of having two X chromosomes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:20150113. [PMID: 26833834 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, it was thought that the number of X chromosomes plays little role in causing sex differences in traits. Recently, selected mouse models have been used increasingly to compare mice with the same type of gonad but with one versus two copies of the X chromosome. Study of these models demonstrates that mice with one X chromosome can be strikingly different from those with two X chromosomes, when the differences are not attributable to confounding group differences in gonadal hormones. The number of X chromosomes affects adiposity and metabolic disease, cardiovascular ischaemia/reperfusion injury and behaviour. The effects of X chromosome number are likely the result of inherent differences in expression of X genes that escape inactivation, and are therefore expressed from both X chromosomes in XX mice, resulting in a higher level of expression when two X chromosomes are present. The effects of X chromosome number contribute to sex differences in disease phenotypes, and may explain some features of X chromosome aneuploidies such as in Turner and Klinefelter syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, UCLA Brain Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Karen Reue
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mansoureh Eghbali
- Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eric Vilain
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xuqi Chen
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, UCLA Brain Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Negar Ghahramani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, UCLA Brain Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yuichiro Itoh
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, UCLA Brain Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jingyuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jenny C Link
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tuck Ngun
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, UCLA Brain Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shayna M Williams-Burris
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA Interdepartmental Program for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, UCLA Brain Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Cousminer DL, Widén E, Palmert MR. The genetics of pubertal timing in the general population: recent advances and evidence for sex-specificity. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2016; 23:57-65. [PMID: 26574646 PMCID: PMC4734379 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article overviews advances in the genetics of puberty based on studies in the general population, describes evidence for sex-specific genetic effects on pubertal timing, and briefly reviews possible mechanisms mediating sexually dimorphic genetic effects. RECENT FINDINGS Pubertal timing is highly polygenic, and many loci are conserved among ethnicities. A number of identified loci underlie both pubertal timing and related traits such as height and BMI. It is increasingly apparent that understanding the factors modulating the onset of puberty is important because the timing of this developmental stage is associated with a wider range of adult health outcomes than previously appreciated. Although most of the genetic effects underlying the timing of puberty are common between boys and girls, some effects show sex-specificity and many are epigenetically modulated. Several potential mechanisms, including hormone-independent ones, may be responsible for observed sex differences. SUMMARY Studies of pubertal timing in the general population have provided new knowledge about the genetic architecture of this complex trait. Increasing attention paid to sex-specific effects may provide key insights into the sexual dimorphism in pubertal timing and even into the associations between puberty and adult health risks by identifying common underlying biological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana L. Cousminer
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elisabeth Widén
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mark R. Palmert
- Division of Endocrinology, the Hospital for Sick Children
- The Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Canada
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Forger NG, Strahan JA, Castillo-Ruiz A. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of sexual differentiation in the mammalian nervous system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 40:67-86. [PMID: 26790970 PMCID: PMC4897775 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Neuroscientists are likely to discover new sex differences in the coming years, spurred by the National Institutes of Health initiative to include both sexes in preclinical studies. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in the mammalian nervous system, based primarily on work in rodents. Cellular mechanisms examined include neurogenesis, migration, the differentiation of neurochemical and morphological cell phenotype, and cell death. At the molecular level we discuss evolving roles for epigenetics, sex chromosome complement, the immune system, and newly identified cell signaling pathways. We review recent findings on the role of the environment, as well as genome-wide studies with some surprising results, causing us to re-think often-used models of sexual differentiation. We end by pointing to future directions, including an increased awareness of the important contributions of tissues outside of the nervous system to sexual differentiation of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy G Forger
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States.
| | - J Alex Strahan
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States.
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Block A, Ahmed MM, Dhanasekaran AR, Tong S, Gardiner KJ. Sex differences in protein expression in the mouse brain and their perturbations in a model of Down syndrome. Biol Sex Differ 2015; 6:24. [PMID: 26557979 PMCID: PMC4640233 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-015-0043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background While many sex differences in structure and function of the mammalian brain have been described, the molecular correlates of these differences are not broadly known. Also unknown is how sex differences at the protein level are perturbed by mutations that lead to intellectual disability (ID). Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of ID and is due to trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) and the resulting increased expression of Hsa21-encoded genes. The Dp(10)1Yey mouse model (Dp10) of DS is trisomic for orthologs of 39 Hsa21 protein-coding genes that map to mouse chromosome 10 (Mmu10), including four genes with known sex differences in functional properties. How these genes contribute to the DS cognitive phenotype is not known. Methods Using reverse phase protein arrays, levels of ~100 proteins/protein modifications were measured in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cortex of female and male controls and their trisomic Dp10 littermates. Proteins were chosen for their known roles in learning/memory and synaptic plasticity and include components of the MAPK, MTOR, and apoptosis pathways, immediate early genes, and subunits of ionotropic glutamate receptors. Protein levels were compared between genotypes, sexes, and brain regions using a three-level mixed effects model and the Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple testing. Results In control mice, levels of approximately one half of the proteins differ significantly between females and males in at least one brain region; in the hippocampus alone, levels of 40 % of the proteins are significantly higher in females. Trisomy of the Mmu10 segment differentially affects female and male profiles, perturbing protein levels most in the cerebellum of female Dp10 and most in the hippocampus of male Dp10. Cortex is minimally affected by sex and genotype. Diverse pathways and processes are implicated in both sex and genotype differences. Conclusions The extensive sex differences in control mice in levels of proteins involved in learning/memory illustrate the molecular complexity underlying sex differences in normal neurological processes. The sex-specific abnormalities in the Dp10 suggest the possibility of sex-specific phenotypic features in DS and reinforce the need to use female as well as male mice, in particular in preclinical evaluations of drug responses. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13293-015-0043-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Block
- Department of Pediatrics, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Aurora, USA
| | - Md Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Pediatrics, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Aurora, USA
| | | | - Suhong Tong
- Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, USA
| | - Katheleen J Gardiner
- Department of Pediatrics, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Aurora, USA ; Human Medical Genetics and Genomics, and Neuroscience Programs, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, 12700 E 19th Avenue, Mail Stop 8608, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
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Sex matters to the heart: A special issue dedicated to the impact of sex related differences of cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis 2015; 241:205-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Sex Differences in Drosophila melanogaster Heterochromatin Are Regulated by Non-Sex Specific Factors. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128114. [PMID: 26053165 PMCID: PMC4459879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic genome is assembled into distinct types of chromatin. Gene-rich euchromatin has active chromatin marks, while heterochromatin is gene-poor and enriched for silencing marks. In spite of this, genes native to heterochromatic regions are dependent on their normal environment for full expression. Expression of genes in autosomal heterochromatin is reduced in male flies mutated for the noncoding roX RNAs, but not in females. roX mutations also disrupt silencing of reporter genes in male, but not female, heterochromatin, revealing a sex difference in heterochromatin. We adopted a genetic approach to determine how this difference is regulated, and found no evidence that known X chromosome counting elements, or the sex determination pathway that these control, are involved. This suggested that the sex chromosome karyotype regulates autosomal heterochromatin by a different mechanism. To address this, candidate genes that regulate chromosome organization were examined. In XX flies mutation of Topoisomerase II (Top2), a gene involved in chromatin organization and homolog pairing, made heterochromatic silencing dependent on roX, and thus male-like. Interestingly, Top2 also binds to a large block of pericentromeric satellite repeats (359 bp repeats) that are unique to the X chromosome. Deletion of X heterochromatin also makes autosomal heterochromatin in XX flies dependent on roX and enhances the effect of Top2 mutations, suggesting a combinatorial action. We postulate that Top2 and X heterochromatin in Drosophila comprise a novel karyotype-sensing pathway that determines the sensitivity of autosomal heterochromatin to loss of roX RNA.
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Lowe R, Gemma C, Rakyan VK, Holland ML. Sexually dimorphic gene expression emerges with embryonic genome activation and is dynamic throughout development. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:295. [PMID: 25888192 PMCID: PMC4410000 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As sex determines mammalian development, understanding the nature and developmental dynamics of the sexually dimorphic transcriptome is important. To explore this, we generated 76 genome-wide RNA-seq profiles from mouse eight-cell embryos, late gestation and adult livers, together with 4 ground-state pluripotent embryonic (ES) cell lines from which we generated both RNA-seq and multiple ChIP-seq profiles. We complemented this with previously published data to yield 5 snap-shots of pre-implantation development, late-gestation placenta and somatic tissue and multiple adult tissues for integrative analysis. Results We define a high-confidence sex-dimorphic signature of 69 genes in eight-cell embryos. Sex-chromosome-linked components of this signature are largely conserved throughout pre-implantation development and in ES cells, whilst the autosomal component is more dynamic. Sex-biased gene expression is reflected by enrichment for activating and repressive histone modifications. The eight-cell signature is largely non-overlapping with that defined from fetal liver, neither was it correlated with adult liver or other tissues analysed. The number of sex-dimorphic genes increases throughout development. We identified many more dimorphic genes in adult compared to fetal liver. However, approximately two thirds of the dimorphic genes identified in fetal liver were also dimorphic in adult liver. Sex-biased expression differences unique to adult liver were enriched for growth hormone-responsiveness. Sexually dimorphic gene expression in pre-implantation development is driven by sex-chromosome based transcription, whilst later development is characterised by sex dimorphic autosomal transcription. Conclusion This systematic study identifies three distinct phases of sex dimorphism throughout mouse development, and has significant implications for understanding the developmental origins of sex-specific phenotypes and disease in mammals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1506-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lowe
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Carolina Gemma
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Vardhman K Rakyan
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Michelle L Holland
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK.
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