1
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Ou J, Dong H, Dai S, Hou Y, Wang Y, Lu X, Xun G, Xia K, Zhao J, Shen Y. Development and validation of a risk score model for predicting autism based on pre- and perinatal factors. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1291356. [PMID: 38435974 PMCID: PMC10904522 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1291356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The use of pre- and perinatal risk factors as predictive factors may lower the age limit for reliable autism prediction. The objective of this study was to develop a clinical model based on these risk factors to predict autism. Methods A stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between 28 candidate risk factors and autism risk among 615 Han Chinese children with autism and 615 unrelated typically developing children. The significant factors were subsequently used to create a clinical risk score model. A chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID) decision tree was used to validate the selected predictors included in the model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated by an independent cohort. Results Five factors (pregnancy influenza-like illness, pregnancy stressors, maternal allergic/autoimmune disease, cesarean section, and hypoxia) were found to be significantly associated with autism risk. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that the risk score model had good discrimination ability for autism, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.711 (95% CI=0.679-0.744); in the external validation cohort, the model showed slightly worse but overall similar predictive performance. Further subgroup analysis indicated that a higher risk score was associated with more behavioral problems. The risk score also exhibited robustness in a subgroup analysis of patients with mild autism. Conclusion This risk score model could lower the age limit for autism prediction with good discrimination performance, and it has unique advantages in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Ou
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huixi Dong
- Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Si Dai
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanting Hou
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaozi Lu
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guanglei Xun
- Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics and School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingping Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yidong Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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2
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Kotenkova EV, Kuznezova EV, Maltsev AN, Ambaryan AV. Early Postnatal Experience Modifies Activation of the Pituitary Testicular Complex in Male House Mice (Mus Musculus) Exposed to the Odor of Receptive Con- and Heterospecific Females. Dokl Biol Sci 2023; 511:272-276. [PMID: 37833586 PMCID: PMC10575987 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, it was shown that activation of the pituitary-testicular complex in male house mice exposed to the odor of receptive females of their own and closely related species was modified under the influence of early postnatal experience and the maternal environment. We have confirmed associated formation of behavioral and physiological mechanisms of precopulatory isolation in early ontogenesis. The serum levels of free testosterone in males of closely related species M. spicilegus and M. m. wagneri differ, it is significantly lower in mound-building mice. In males fostered by a conspecific female, the level of free testosterone was significantly lower when exposed to a heterospecific female odor in comparison with a conspecific odor. The rearing of M. m. wagneri males by females of a closely related species led to a decrease in the testosterone response caused by exposure to female chemosignals (both con- and heterospecific) and to the absence of differences in the serum level of free testosterone when exposed to the odor of a female of their own or closely related species. These results indicate that the rearing conditions had a significant influence on the formation of hormonal mechanisms of reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V Kotenkova
- Severtsov Institute of Problems of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071, Moscow, Russia.
| | - E V Kuznezova
- Severtsov Institute of Problems of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071, Moscow, Russia
| | - A N Maltsev
- Severtsov Institute of Problems of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Ambaryan
- Severtsov Institute of Problems of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071, Moscow, Russia
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3
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Ansah PB, Addo‐Danso SD, Belford EJD, Asomaning JM, Asare‐Ansah AB, Fosu NA, Ankobiah RA. Temperature and soil nutrients drive seed traits variation in Pterocarpus erinaceus (African rosewood) in Ghana. Plant Environ Interact 2023; 4:215-227. [PMID: 37583878 PMCID: PMC10423977 DOI: 10.1002/pei3.10120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Among plant populations, variation in seed traits has important consequences on species recruitment and performance under different environmental conditions. Knowing such variations and understanding its environmental drivers could help with conservation efforts that protect against the loss of diversity. This information is however lacking in the extinction-threatened Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir (African rosewood) in Ghana. Here, we assessed variation in seed set, seed morphological and chemical traits, germinability, and seedling growth of African rosewood from four distant provenances (Tumu, Wa, Carpenter, and Ejura) in Ghana. We sought to answer how local environmental conditions influence the expression of seed traits by examining the relationship between seed traits and maternal environmental factors (temperature, rainfall, soil nutrient, and vegetation index) using regression models and correlation analysis. Seed size, mass, and nutrient composition differed considerably among provenances. Seed size and mass increased as the seed source moved further away from the forest-savanna transition toward the Guineo-Sudanian savanna regions. Temperature mainly accounted for the variability observed in seed traits. Phenology curves of the seed source vegetation expressed a strong correlation with monthly rainfall. Overall, the occurrence of samara containing whole seeds was low (<50%) except for Tumu provenance. Seeds were rich in carbohydrate and crude protein content consistent with most leguminous plants while mean percentage germination ranged between 30 and 62% among provenances. Our results highlight the adaptive strategies of African rosewood to different environments through the expression of their seed traits and suggest the need for priority action to maintain its conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmore B. Ansah
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- CSIR‐Forestry Research Institute of GhanaKumasiGhana
| | | | - Ebenezer J. D. Belford
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | | | - Abena B. Asare‐Ansah
- Department of Urban Forestry and Natural ResourcesSouthern University and A&M CollegeBaton RougeLouisianaUSA
| | - Naomi A. Fosu
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- CSIR‐Crops Research InstituteFumesuaGhana
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4
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Chen H, Visscher AM, Ai Q, Yang L, Pritchard HW, Li W. Intra-Specific Variation in Desiccation Tolerance of Citrus sinensis 'bingtangcheng' (L.) Seeds under Different Environmental Conditions in China. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087393. [PMID: 37108552 PMCID: PMC10139128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-specific variation in seed storage behaviour observed in several species has been related to different maternal environments. However, the particular environmental conditions and molecular processes involved in intra-specific variation of desiccation tolerance remain unclear. We chose Citrus sinensis 'bingtangcheng' for the present study due to its known variability in desiccation tolerance amongst seed lots. Six seed lots of mature fruits were harvested across China and systematically compared for drying sensitivity. Annual sunshine hours and average temperature from December to May showed positive correlations with the level of seed survival of dehydration. Transcriptional analysis indicated significant variation in gene expression between relatively desiccation-tolerant (DT) and -sensitive (DS) seed lots after harvest. The major genes involved in late seed maturation, such as heat shock proteins, showed higher expression in the DT seed lot. Following the imposition of drying, 80% of stress-responsive genes in the DS seed lot changed to the stable levels seen in the DT seed lot prior to and post-desiccation. However, the changes in expression of stress-responsive genes in DS seeds did not improve their tolerance to desiccation. Thus, higher desiccation tolerance of Citrus sinensis 'bingtangcheng' seeds is modulated by the maternal environment (e.g., higher annual sunshine hours and seasonal temperature) during seed development and involves stable expression levels of stress-responsive genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Chen
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Anne M Visscher
- Trait Diversity and Function Department, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst, Ardingly, West Sussex RH17 6TN, UK
| | - Qin Ai
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Hugh W Pritchard
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
- Trait Diversity and Function Department, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst, Ardingly, West Sussex RH17 6TN, UK
| | - Weiqi Li
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
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5
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Santana TP, Gasparino E, de Souza Khatlab A, Pereira AMFE, Barbosa LT, Fernandes RPM, Lamont SJ, Del Vesco AP. Effects of maternal methionine supplementation on the response of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks to heat stress. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad042. [PMID: 36734330 PMCID: PMC10103070 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the hypothesis that methionine supplementation of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) hens can reduce the effects of oxidative stress and improve the performance of the offspring exposed to heat stress during growth. For that, the quail hens were fed with three diets related to the methionine supplementation: methionine-deficient diet (Md); diet supplemented with the recommended methionine level (Met1); and diet supplemented with methionine above the recommended level (Met2). Their chicks were identified, weighed, and housed according to the maternal diet group from 1 to 14 d of age. On 15 d of age, chicks were weighed and divided into two groups: thermoneutral ambient (constant temperature of 23 °C) and intermittent heat stress ambient (daily exposure to 34 °C for 6 h). Methionine-supplemented (Met1 and Met2) hens had higher egg production, better feed conversion ratio, higher hatchability of total and fertile eggs, and offspring with higher body weight. Supplemented (Met1 and Met2) hens showed greater expression of glutathione synthase (GSS) and methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) genes, greater total antioxidant capacity, and lower lipid peroxidation in the liver. The offspring of hens fed the Met2 diet had lower death rate (1 to 14 d), higher weight on 15 d of age, weight gain, and better feed conversion ratio from 1 to 14 d of age. Among chicks reared under heat stress, the progeny of methionine-supplemented hens had higher weight on 35 d, weight gain, expression of GSS, MSRA, and thermal shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes, and total antioxidant capacity in the liver, as well as lower heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. Positive correlations between expression of glutathione peroxidase 7 (GPX7) and MSRA genes in hens and offspring were observed. Our results show that maternal methionine supplementation contributes to offspring development and performance in early stages and that, under conditions of heat stress during growth, chicks from methionine-supplemented hens respond better to hot environmental conditions than chicks from nonsupplemented hens. Supplementation of quail hens diets with methionine promoted activation of different metabolic pathways in offspring subjected to stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Pacheco Santana
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Sergipe, 49100-000 São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Eliane Gasparino
- Animal Science Department, State University of Maringá, 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leandro Teixeira Barbosa
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Sergipe, 49100-000 São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | - Susan J Lamont
- Animal Science Department, Iowa State University, Iowa State University, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Ana Paula Del Vesco
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Sergipe, 49100-000 São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
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6
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Amrom D, Schwartz SS. Maternal Metabolic Health, Lifestyle, and Environment - Understanding How Epigenetics Drives Future Offspring Health. Curr Diabetes Rev 2023; 19:50-73. [PMID: 35466879 DOI: 10.2174/1573399818666220422085016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type two diabetes (T2DM), continues to increase worldwide, and their onset is often attributed to adherence to a western diet and a sedentary lifestyle. However, large variability exists in one's likelihood of developing metabolic dysregulation, illustrating that our understanding of heritability patterns remains poorly understood. Diabetes and obesity are multifactorial diseases, and their onset is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies report a number of alterations in the coding sequence associated with the onset of T2DM and obesity. However, these genes explain only a fraction of the cases, leaving the majority unaccounted for. The missing heritability question implies that other factors are responsible for the onset and development of the disease. Given that the developing fetus is susceptible to the maternal environment, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that maternal metabolic characteristics as well as disruptions to the prenatal environment may induce long-term genetic, phenotypic, and physiologic adaptations in the developing fetus, which could have a permanent effect on its future health. This phenomenon is known as developmental programming and is mediated through epigenetic modifications, which include modulation of gene expressions that do not alter the original deoxyribonucleic (DNA) sequence. Epigenetic modifications are capable of changing gene expression in metabolism-related genes and are accomplished through DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) mechanisms. In this review, we discuss maternal metabolic factors, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and gestational diabetes (GDM) that lead to epigenetic changes in the offspring and predispose future generations to metabolic abnormalities. We will also describe the association between maternal lifestyle factors and exposure to toxins with epigenetic modulations in the offspring. Lastly, we will provide a brief review of the possibility of using epigenetics as potential interventions and therapeutic modalities to help in early diagnosis and prevention of metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Amrom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, PA, USA
| | - Stanley S Schwartz
- Main Line Health System, Wynnewood, PA, USA
- Emeritus Professor, University of Pennsylvania, Perlman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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7
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Zhu S, Wang Q. Metabolic control of oocyte development. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:54-61. [PMID: 35470861 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Well balanced and timed metabolism is essential for oocyte development. The effects of extrinsic nutrients on oocyte maturation have been widely reported. In contrast, intrinsic control of oogenesis by intracellular metabolites and metabolic enzymes has received little attention. The comprehensive characterization of metabolic patterns could lead to more complete understanding of regulatory mechanisms underlying oocyte development. A cell's metabolic state is integrated with epigenetic regulation. Epigenetic modifications in germ cells are therefore sensitive to parental environmental exposures. Nevertheless, direct genetic evidence for metabolites involvement in epigenetic establishment during oocyte development is still lacking. Moreover, metabolic disorder-induced epigenetic perturbations during oogenesis might mediate the inter/transgenerational effects of environmental insults. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this deserve further investigation. Here, we summarize the findings on metabolic regulation in oocyte maturation, and how it contributes to oocyte epigenetic modification. Finally, we propose a mouse model that metabolic disorder in oocyte serves as a potential factor mediating the maternal environment effects on offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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8
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Rogers LK, Slaughter JL. Editorial: Developmental origins of health and disease: Impact of preterm birth. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1120208. [PMID: 36683791 PMCID: PMC9845946 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1120208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lynette Kay Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan L Slaughter
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
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9
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Fu Q, North PE, Ke X, Huang YW, Fritz KA, Majnik AV, Lane RH. Adverse Maternal Environment and Postweaning Western Diet Alter Hepatic CD36 Expression and Methylation Concurrently with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mouse Offspring. J Nutr 2021; 151:3102-3112. [PMID: 34486661 PMCID: PMC8485909 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of an adverse maternal environment (AME) in conjunction with a postweaning Western diet (WD) in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult offspring has not been explored. Likewise, the molecular mechanisms associated with AME-induced NAFLD have not been studied. The fatty acid translocase or cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) has been implicated to play a causal role in the pathogenesis of WD-induced steatosis. However, it is unknown if CD36 plays a role in AME-induced NAFLD. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to evaluate the isolated and additive impact of AME and postweaning WD on the expression and DNA methylation of hepatic Cd36 in association with the development of NAFLD in a novel mouse model. METHODS AME constituted maternal WD and maternal stress, whereas the control (Con) group had neither. Female C57BL/6J mice were fed a WD [40% fat energy, 29.1% sucrose energy, and 0.15% cholesterol (wt/wt)] 5 wk prior to pregnancy and throughout lactation. Non invasive variable stressors (random frequent cage changing, limited bedding, novel object, etc.) were applied to WD dams during the last third of pregnancy to produce an AME. Con dams consumed the control diet (CD) (10% fat energy, no sucrose or cholesterol) and were not exposed to stress. Male offspring were weaned onto either CD or WD, creating 4 experimental groups: Con-CD, Con-WD, AME-CD, and AME-WD, and evaluated for metabolic and molecular parameters at 120 d of age. RESULTS AME and postweaning WD independently and additively increased the development of hepatic steatosis in adult male offspring. AME and WD independently and additively upregulated hepatic CD36 protein and mRNA expression and hypomethylated promoters 2 and 3 of the Cd36 gene. CONCLUSIONS Using a mouse AME model together with postweaning WD, this study demonstrates a role for CD36 in AME-induced NAFLD in offspring and reveals 2 regions of environmentally induced epigenetic heterogeneity within Cd36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Fu
- Department of Research Administration, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Paula E North
- Department of Pediatric Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Xingrao Ke
- Department of Research Administration, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Yi-Wen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Katie A Fritz
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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10
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Ramirez JSB, Graham AM, Thompson JR, Zhu JY, Sturgeon D, Bagley JL, Thomas E, Papadakis S, Bah M, Perrone A, Earl E, Miranda-Dominguez O, Feczko E, Fombonne EJ, Amaral DG, Nigg JT, Sullivan EL, Fair DA. Maternal Interleukin-6 Is Associated With Macaque Offspring Amygdala Development and Behavior. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:1573-1585. [PMID: 31665252 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human and animal cross-sectional studies have shown that maternal levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) may compromise brain phenotypes assessed at single time points. However, how maternal IL-6 associates with the trajectory of brain development remains unclear. We investigated whether maternal IL-6 levels during pregnancy relate to offspring amygdala volume development and anxiety-like behavior in Japanese macaques. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was administered to 39 Japanese macaque offspring (Female: 18), providing at least one or more time points at 4, 11, 21, and 36 months of age with a behavioral assessment at 11 months of age. Increased maternal third trimester plasma IL-6 levels were associated with offspring's smaller left amygdala volume at 4 months, but with more rapid amygdala growth from 4 to 36 months. Maternal IL-6 predicted offspring anxiety-like behavior at 11 months, which was mediated by reduced amygdala volumes in the model's intercept (i.e., 4 months). The results increase our understanding of the role of maternal inflammation in the development of neurobehavioral disorders by detailing the associations of a commonly examined inflammatory indicator, IL-6, on amygdala volume growth over time, and anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian S B Ramirez
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Alice M Graham
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Jacqueline R Thompson
- Divisions of Neuroscience and Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton OR, USA
| | - Jennifer Y Zhu
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Darrick Sturgeon
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bagley
- Divisions of Neuroscience and Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton OR, USA
| | - Elina Thomas
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Samantha Papadakis
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Muhammed Bah
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Anders Perrone
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Eric Earl
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | | | - Eric Feczko
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA.,Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Eric J Fombonne
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA.,Institute for Development & Disability, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - David G Amaral
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis CA, USA.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis CA, USA
| | - Joel T Nigg
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Elinor L Sullivan
- Divisions of Neuroscience and Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton OR, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA.,Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene OR, USA
| | - Damien A Fair
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA.,Advance Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
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11
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Nakabayashi K, Leubner-Metzger G. Seed dormancy and weed emergence: from simulating environmental change to understanding trait plasticity, adaptive evolution, and population fitness. J Exp Bot 2021; 72:4181-4185. [PMID: 34048571 PMCID: PMC8163051 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This article comments on: Fernández Farnocchia RB, Benech-Arnold RL, Mantese A, Batlla D. 2021. Optimization of timing of next-generation emergence in Amaranthus hybridus is determined via modulation of seed dormancy by the maternal environment. Journal of Experimental Botany 72, 4283–4297.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumi Nakabayashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Gerhard Leubner-Metzger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
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12
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Geshnizjani N, Snoek BL, Willems LAJ, Rienstra JA, Nijveen H, Hilhorst HWM, Ligterink W. Detection of QTLs for genotype × environment interactions in tomato seeds and seedlings. Plant Cell Environ 2020; 43:1973-1988. [PMID: 32419153 PMCID: PMC7496158 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Seed quality and seedling establishment are the most important factors affecting successful crop development. They depend on the genetic background and are acquired during seed maturation and therefor, affected by the maternal environment under which the seeds develop. There is little knowledge about the genetic and environmental factors that affect seed quality and seedling establishment. The aim of this study is to identify the loci and possible molecular mechanisms involved in acquisition of seed quality and how these are controlled by adverse maternal conditions. For this, we used a tomato recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 100 lines which were grown under two different nutritional environmental conditions, high phosphate and low nitrate. Most of the seed germination traits such as maximum germination percentage (Gmax ), germination rate (t50 ) and uniformity (U8416 ) showed ample variation between genotypes and under different germination conditions. This phenotypic variation leads to identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) which were dependent on genetic factors, but also on the interaction with the maternal environment (QTL × E). Further studies of these QTLs may ultimately help to predict the effect of different maternal environmental conditions on seed quality and seedling establishment which will be very useful to improve the production of high-performance seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Geshnizjani
- Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant PhysiologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Basten L. Snoek
- Theoretical Biology and BioinformaticsUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Laboratory of NematologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Leo A. J. Willems
- Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant PhysiologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Juriaan A. Rienstra
- Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant PhysiologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Harm Nijveen
- Bioinformatics GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Henk W. M. Hilhorst
- Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant PhysiologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Wilco Ligterink
- Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant PhysiologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
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13
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Recuero S, Sánchez JM, Mateo-Otero Y, Bagés-Arnal S, McDonald M, Behura SK, Spencer TE, Kenny DA, Yeste M, Lonergan P, Fernandez-Fuertes B. Mating to Intact, but Not Vasectomized, Males Elicits Changes in the Endometrial Transcriptome: Insights From the Bovine Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:547. [PMID: 32766237 PMCID: PMC7381276 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An appropriate female reproductive environment is essential for pregnancy success. In several species, including mice, pigs and horses, seminal plasma (SP) components have been shown to modulate this environment, leading to increased embryo viability and implantation. Due to the characteristics of mating in the aforementioned species, SP comes into direct contact with the uterus. However, it is questionable whether any SP reaches the uterus in species that ejaculate inside the vagina, such as humans and cattle. Hence, we hypothesized that sperm, perhaps acting as a vehicle for SP factors, play a more important role in the modulation of the maternal uterine environment in these species. In addition, changes elicited by SP and/or sperm may originate in the vagina and propagate to more distal regions of the female reproductive tract. To test these hypotheses, a bovine model in which heifers were mated to intact or vasectomized bulls or were left unmated was used. RNA-sequencing of endometrial samples collected 24 h after mating with a vasectomized bull did not reveal any differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in comparison with control samples. However, the endometrium of heifers mated with intact bulls exhibited 24 DEGs when compared to heifers mated with vasectomized bulls, and 22 DEGs when compared to unmated control heifers. The expression of a set of cytokines (IL6, IL1A, IL8, and TNFA) and candidate genes identified in the endometrial RNA-sequencing (PLA2G10, CX3CL1, C4BPA, PRSS2, BLA-DQB, and CEBPD) were assessed by RT-qPCR in the vagina and oviductal ampulla. No differences in expression of these genes were observed between treatments in any region. However, mating to both intact and vasectomized bulls induced an increase in IL1A and TNFA expression in the vagina compared to the oviduct. These data indicate that sperm, but not secretions from the accessory glands alone, induce modest changes in endometrial gene expression after natural mating in cattle. However, it is not clear whether this effect is triggered by inherent sperm proteins or SP proteins bound to sperm surface at the time of ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - José María Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Bagés-Arnal
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - David A Kenny
- Animal and Bioscience Research Centre, Teagasc Grange, Meath, Ireland
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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14
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Bose AK, Moser B, Rigling A, Lehmann MM, Milcu A, Peter M, Rellstab C, Wohlgemuth T, Gessler A. Memory of environmental conditions across generations affects the acclimation potential of scots pine. Plant Cell Environ 2020; 43:1288-1299. [PMID: 31990067 PMCID: PMC7318169 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Long generation times have been suggested to hamper rapid genetic adaptation of organisms to changing environmental conditions. We examined if environmental memory of the parental Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) drive offspring survival and growth. We used seeds from trees growing under naturally dry conditions (control), irrigated trees (irrigated from 2003 to 2016), and formerly irrigated trees ("irrigation stop"; irrigated from 2003-2013; control condition since 2014). We performed two experiments, one under controlled greenhouse conditions and one at the experimental field site. In the greenhouse, the offspring from control trees exposed regularly to drought were more tolerant to hot-drought conditions than the offspring from irrigated trees and showed lower mortality even though there was no genetic difference. However, under optimal conditions (high water supply and full sunlight), these offspring showed lower growth and were outperformed by the offspring of the irrigated trees. This different offspring growth, with the offspring of the "irrigation-stop" trees showing intermediate responses, points to the important role of transgenerational memory for the long-term acclimation of trees. Such memory effects, however, may be overridden by climatic extremes during germination and early growth stages such as the European 2018 mega-drought that impacted our field experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Bose
- Forest Dynamics, WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Barbara Moser
- Forest Dynamics, WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Rigling
- Forest Dynamics, WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco M Lehmann
- Forest Dynamics, WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Alexandru Milcu
- Ecotron (Unité Propre de Service 3248), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Campus Baillarguet, Montferrier-sur-Lez 34980, France
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5175, Université de Montpellier/Université Paul Valéry-École Pratique des Hautes Études, Montpellier 34293, France
| | - Martina Peter
- Forest Dynamics, WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Christian Rellstab
- Forest Dynamics, WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Wohlgemuth
- Forest Dynamics, WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Arthur Gessler
- Forest Dynamics, WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Takita M, Kikusui T. Early weaning augments the spontaneous release of dopamine in the amygdala but not the prefrontal cortex: an in vivo microdialysis study of male rats. Exp Anim 2020; 69:382-387. [PMID: 32350170 PMCID: PMC7677083 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.20-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Our early weaning schedule was associated with the emergence of trait anxiety in male
rodents performing an elevated plus maze but not an open-field test. We previously
reported that early weaning weakened excitatory neurotransmission to the amygdala from the
prefrontal cortex, where the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic (DAergic) fiber terminates on
each. In this study, we investigated DAergic transmission in both these brain regions. The
extracellular levels of amygdalar DA in adulthood were two times higher in rats weaned at
16 days compared to those weaned at 30 days in both the home cage and the open-field. This
difference in extracellular DA levels was not apparent in the prefrontal cortex. The
concurrently measured locomotor and rearing behaviors did not vary according to the
weaning period and the probe-implanted region, respectively. These results suggest that
the effects of early weaning on DA tone appear to be specific to the amygdala and do not
represent ubiquitous upregulation as these changes were not observed in the prefrontal
cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Takita
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan.,Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, 1-5-1 Choufuga-oka, Choufu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuou-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
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16
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Geshnizjani N, Sarikhani Khorami S, Willems LAJ, Snoek BL, Hilhorst HWM, Ligterink W. The interaction between genotype and maternal nutritional environments affects tomato seed and seedling quality. J Exp Bot 2019; 70:2905-2918. [PMID: 30828721 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Seed and seedling traits are affected by the conditions of the maternal environment, such as light, temperature, and nutrient availability. In this study, we have investigated whether different maternally applied nitrate and phosphate concentrations affect the seed and seedling performance of two closely related tomato species: Solanum lycopersicum cv. Money maker and Solanum pimpinellifolium accession CGN14498. We observed large differences for seed and seedling traits between the two species. Additionally, we have shown that for nitrate most of the seed and seedling traits were significantly affected by genotype-environment interactions (G×E). The effect of the maternal environment was clearly visible in the primary metabolites of the dry seeds. For example, we could show that the amount of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in Money maker seeds was affected by the differences in the maternal environments and was positively correlated with seed germination under high temperature. Overall, compared with phosphate, nitrate had a larger effect on seed and seedling performance in tomato. In general, the different responses to the maternal environments of the two tomato species showed a major role for G×E in shaping seed and seedling traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Geshnizjani
- Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Leo A J Willems
- Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Basten L Snoek
- Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Utrecht University, Padualaan, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk W M Hilhorst
- Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wilco Ligterink
- Wageningen Seed Lab, Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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17
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Ding A, Walton SL, Moritz KM, Phillips JK. Impact of prenatal and postnatal maternal environment on nephron endowment, renal function and blood pressure in the Lewis polycystic kidney rat. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 10:154-63. [PMID: 30274564 DOI: 10.1017/S2040174418000673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Maternal insufficiency during fetal development can have long-lasting effects on the offspring, most notably on nephron endowment. In polycystic kidney disease (PKD), variability in severity of disease is observed and maternal environment may be a modifying factor. In this study, we first established that in a rodent model of PKD, the Lewis polycystic kidney (LPK) rat's nephron numbers are 25% lower compared with wildtype animals. We then investigated the effects of prenatal and postnatal maternal environment on phenotype and nephron number. LPK pups born from and raised by homozygous LPK dams (control) were compared with LPK pups cross-fostered onto heterozygous LPK dams to improve postnatal environment; with LPK pups born from and raised by heterozygous LPK dams to improve both prenatal and postnatal environment and with LPK pups born from and raised by Wistar Kyoto-LPK heterozygous dams to improve both prenatal and postnatal environment on a different genetic background. Improvement in both prenatal and postnatal environment improved postnatal growth, renal function and reduced blood pressure, most notably in animals with different genetic background. Animals with improved postnatal environment only showed improved growth and blood pressure, but to a lesser extent. All intervention groups showed increased nephron number compared with control LPK. In summary, prenatal and postnatal environment had significant effect in delaying progression and reducing severity of PKD, including nephron endowment.
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18
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Awan S, Footitt S, Finch-Savage WE. Interaction of maternal environment and allelic differences in seed vigour genes determines seed performance in Brassica oleracea. Plant J 2018; 94:1098-1108. [PMID: 29660183 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Seed vigour is a key trait essential for the production of sustainable and profitable crops. The genetic basis of variation in seed vigour has recently been determined in Brassica oleracea, but the relative importance of the interaction with parental environment is unknown. We produced seeds under a range of maternal environments, including global warming scenarios. Lines were compared that had the same genetic background, but different alleles (for high and low vigour) at the quantitative trait loci responsible for determining seed vigour by altering abscisic acid (ABA) content and sensitivity. We found a consistent effect of beneficial alleles across production environments; however, environmental stress during production also had a large impact that enhanced the genetic difference in seed performance, measured as germination speed, resistance to controlled deterioration and induction of secondary dormancy. Environmental interaction with allelic differences in key genes that determine ABA content and sensitivity develops a continuity in performance from rapid germination through to failure to complete germination, and increasing depths of seed dormancy. The genetic-environmental interaction revealed provides a robust mechanism of bet-hedging to minimize environmental risk during subsequent germination, and this could have facilitated the rapid change in seed behaviour (reduced dormancy and rapid germination) observed during crop domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Awan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Wellesbourne Campus, Warwickshire, CV35 9EF, UK
| | - Steven Footitt
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Wellesbourne Campus, Warwickshire, CV35 9EF, UK
| | - William E Finch-Savage
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Wellesbourne Campus, Warwickshire, CV35 9EF, UK
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19
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Kesterke MJ, Judd MA, Mooney MP, Siegel MI, Elsalanty M, Howie RN, Weinberg SM, Cray JJ. Maternal environment and craniofacial growth: geometric morphometric analysis of mandibular shape changes with in utero thyroxine overexposure in mice. J Anat 2018; 233:46-54. [PMID: 29611183 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated 3% of US pregnancies are affected by maternal thyroid dysfunction, with between one and three of every 1000 pregnancies being complicated by overactive maternal thyroid levels. Excess thyroid hormones are linked to neurological impairment and excessive craniofacial variation, affecting both endochondral and intramembranous bone. Using a geometric morphometric approach, this study evaluates the role of in utero thyroxine overexposure on the growth of offspring mandibles in a sample of 241 mice. Canonical variate analysis utilized 16 unilateral mandibular landmarks obtained from 3D micro-computed tomography to assess shape changes between unexposed controls (n = 63) and exposed mice (n = 178). By evaluating shape changes in the mandible among three age groups (15, 20 and 25 days postnatal) and different dosage levels (low, medium and high), this study found that excess maternal thyroxine alters offspring mandibular shape in both age- and dosage-dependent manners. Group differences in overall shape were significant (P < 0.001), and showed major changes in regions of the mandible associated with muscle attachment (coronoid process, gonial angle) and regions of growth largely governed by articulation with the cranial base (condyle) and occlusion (alveolus). These results compliment recent studies demonstrating that maternal thyroxine levels can alter the cranial base and cranial vault of offspring, contributing to a better understanding of both normal and abnormal mandibular development, as well as the medical implications of craniofacial growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret A Judd
- Department of Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark P Mooney
- Department of Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Oral Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Orthodontics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael I Siegel
- Department of Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Oral Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Orthodontics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - R Nicole Howie
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Seth M Weinberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Oral Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James J Cray
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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20
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De Vitis M, Mattioni C, Mattana E, Pritchard HW, Seal CE, Ulian T, Cherubini M, Magrini S. Integration of genetic and seed fitness data to the conservation of isolated subpopulations of the Mediterranean plant Malcolmia littorea. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2018; 20 Suppl 1:203-213. [PMID: 28950440 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Plant autoecology and population genetics provide a perspective on the likelihood of natural regeneration, which is critical when designing conservation strategies for endangered species. The threatened coastal plant Malcolmia littorea (Brassicaceae) was sampled across its European distribution and studied for genetic diversity and seed fitness, with the aim of providing information for the conservation of isolated and declining populations. Nine microsatellite markers (five chloroplast and four nuclear) were analysed to assess population genetic diversity and structure and to conduct a spatial analysis using the software DIVA-GIS. Germination percentages and rates were assessed by incubating the seeds under eight constant temperatures (0-27 °C). The genetic diversity was found to be similar among subpopulations (chloroplast H = 0.04-0.17; nuclear Ho = 0.20-0.37), with no correlation between subpopulation diversity and the area of occupancy (AOO). The subpopulations were found to be clustered in three genetic groups, and three of them were identified as conservation priorities due to their unique genetic composition. The germination study revealed a significant influence of the maternal environment and AOO on seed germination, with the smaller subpopulations showing lower germination percentages (P < 0.05). These results highlight the importance of obtaining information on isolated subpopulations through different experimental approaches (e.g. seed germination plus population genetics) to enable planning of effective conservation actions. For M. littorea, seed collection for both in situ and ex situ conservation should take into account the local adaptation of the subpopulation and the genetic structure of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M De Vitis
- Tuscia Germplasm Bank, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | - C Mattioni
- Institute of Agro-environmental and Forest Biology, National Research Council, Porano, TR, Italy
| | - E Mattana
- Department of Natural Capital and Plant Health, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Ardingly, UK
| | - H W Pritchard
- Department of Comparative Plant and Fungal Biology, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Ardingly, UK
| | - C E Seal
- Department of Comparative Plant and Fungal Biology, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Ardingly, UK
| | - T Ulian
- Department of Natural Capital and Plant Health, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Ardingly, UK
| | - M Cherubini
- Institute of Agro-environmental and Forest Biology, National Research Council, Porano, TR, Italy
| | - S Magrini
- Tuscia Germplasm Bank, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
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21
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Abstract
Size at birth is a critical determinant of life expectancy, and is dependent primarily on the placental supply of nutrients. However, the placenta is not just a passive organ for the materno-fetal transfer of nutrients and oxygen. Studies show that the placenta can adapt morphologically and functionally to optimize substrate supply, and thus fetal growth, under adverse intrauterine conditions. These adaptations help meet the fetal drive for growth, and their effectiveness will determine the amount and relative proportions of specific metabolic substrates supplied to the fetus at different stages of development. This flow of nutrients will ultimately program physiological systems at the gene, cell, tissue, organ, and system levels, and inadequacies can cause permanent structural and functional changes that lead to overt disease, particularly with increasing age. This review examines the environmental regulation of the placental phenotype with particular emphasis on the impact of maternal nutritional challenges and oxygen scarcity in mice, rats and guinea pigs. It also focuses on the effects of such conditions on fetal growth and the developmental programming of disease postnatally. A challenge for future research is to link placental structure and function with clinical phenotypes in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily J Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
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22
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Vivas M, Kemler M, Slippers B. Maternal effects on tree phenotypes: considering the microbiome. Trends Plant Sci 2015; 20:541-544. [PMID: 26124001 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The biotic and abiotic environmental experience of plants can influence the offspring without any changes in DNA sequence. These effects can modulate the development of the progeny and their interaction with microorganisms. This interaction includes fungal endophytic communities which have significant effects on trees and their associated ecosystems. In this opinion article, we highlight potential maternal mechanisms through which endophytes could influence the progeny. We argue that a better understanding of these interactions might help to predict the response of trees to stress conditions and enhance the efficiency of tree breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vivas
- Department of Genetics, Forestry, and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.
| | - Martin Kemler
- Department of Genetics, Forestry, and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Bernard Slippers
- Department of Genetics, Forestry, and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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23
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Li Z, Lu W, Yang L, Kong X, Deng X. Seed weight and germination behavior of the submerged plant Potamogeton pectinatus in the arid zone of northwest China. Ecol Evol 2015; 5:1504-12. [PMID: 25897389 PMCID: PMC4395179 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in seed weight is common within and among plant species, but few studies have attempted to document the pattern of seed weight and germination attributes for aquatic macrophytes at a large scale. This study examined within-species variation in seed weight and germination attributes and the effects of environmental factors on seed traits of the submerged plant Potamogeton pectinatus in the arid zone of northwest China. Our results showed that the average seed weight was 0.24 g per 100 seeds with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 28.4% among the eight P. pectinatus populations. The total germination fraction of seeds of P. pectinatus was relatively poor, less than 35% in seven P. pectinatus populations, and the lowest germination percentage found was only 2%. There were significant differences in seed weight, time to onset of germination, and total germination fraction among the eight different populations. Hierarchical partitioning analysis showed a strongly positive correlation between seed weight and water temperature and pH. Seed weight and the maternal environmental factors significantly affected both time to initiation of germination and total germination fraction. Our results suggest that (1) seed weight variation in P. pectinatus primarily is the result of temperature variation during fruit development; (2) relatively poor germination fraction suggests that seeds are relatively unimportant in the short-term survival of populations and that it may be another adaptive trait allowing plants to take place in the right place and at the right time, especially in harsh environment; and (3) variation in seed germination traits should be determined by local environmental and intrinsic factors that interact in a complex fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiang Li
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei UniversityWuhan, 430062, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei UniversityWuhan, 430062, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei UniversityWuhan, 430062, China
| | - Xianghong Kong
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resource and Environment, Hubei UniversityWuhan, 430062, China
| | - Xuwei Deng
- Wuhan Research Academy of Environmental Protection SciencesWuhan, 430015, China
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Quilter CR, Cooper WN, Cliffe KM, Skinner BM, Prentice PM, Nelson L, Bauer J, Ong KK, Constância M, Lowe WL, Affara NA, Dunger DB. Impact on offspring methylation patterns of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus and intrauterine growth restraint suggest common genes and pathways linked to subsequent type 2 diabetes risk. FASEB J 2014; 28:4868-79. [PMID: 25145626 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-255240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Size at birth, postnatal weight gain, and adult risk for type 2 diabetes may reflect environmental exposures during developmental plasticity and may be mediated by epigenetics. Both low birth weight (BW), as a marker of fetal growth restraint, and high birth weight (BW), especially after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), have been linked to increased risk of adult type 2 diabetes. We assessed DNA methylation patterns using a bead chip in cord blood samples from infants of mothers with GDM (group 1) and infants with prenatal growth restraint indicated by rapid postnatal catch-up growth (group 2), compared with infants with normal postnatal growth (group 3). Seventy-five CpG loci were differentially methylated in groups 1 and 2 compared with the controls (group 3), representing 72 genes, many relevant to growth and diabetes. In replication studies using similar methodology, many of these differentially methylated regions were associated with levels of maternal glucose exposure below that defined by GDM [the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study] or were identified as changes observed after randomized periconceptional nutritional supplementation in a Gambian cohort characterized by maternal deprivation. These studies provide support for the concept that similar epigenetic modifications may underpin different prenatal exposures and potentially increase long-term risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy N Cooper
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Trophoblast Research, and
| | - Kerry M Cliffe
- Mammalian Molecular Genetics Group, Department of Pathology
| | | | - Philippa M Prentice
- National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; and
| | - LaTasha Nelson
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Julien Bauer
- Mammalian Molecular Genetics Group, Department of Pathology
| | - Ken K Ong
- National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; and
| | - Miguel Constância
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Medical Research Council (MRC) Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Trophoblast Research, and
| | - William L Lowe
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - David B Dunger
- National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; and
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25
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Nazarova GG. Effects of seasonal, ontogenetic, and genetic factors on lifespan of male and female progeny of Arvicola amphibius. Front Genet 2013; 4:100. [PMID: 23802009 PMCID: PMC3687140 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The water vole (Arvicola amphibius) in the forest-steppe of West Siberia is known to have wide fluctuations in abundance. These fluctuations are accompanied by changes in birth and death rates, sex-age structure of the population, and individual morphophysiological and behavioral characteristics of the animals. Survival of the animals depends on season, phase of population cycle, and sex. Based on the data of long-term captive breeding of water voles, the maximal lifespan of males was found to be 1188 days and that of females, 1108 days. There were no differences between the sexes in mean lifespan. The probability of living 2 years or longer was 0.21. Individuals who began breeding at an older age had a significantly longer lifespan and produced more offspring. The survival curves of the spring-born animals were steeper than of those summer-/autumn-born. Maternal factors had a differential effect on males and females with respect to lifespan. Male lifespan correlated negatively with maternal age, parity, and litter size, whereas female lifespan did not correlate with these characteristics. To estimate heritability, parent-offspring correlations of lifespan were calculated, as well as full-sib intraclass correlations. No statistically significant correlation was found for lifespan between sons and mothers, sons and fathers, and daughters and fathers. Daughters' lifespan correlated positively with maternal lifespan (r = 0.21, p < 0.001). Female full-sibs and male full-sibs had the same intraclass correlations, 0.22, p < 0.001.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. G. Nazarova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of SciencesNovosibirsk, Russia
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26
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Lucas E. Epigenetic effects on the embryo as a result of periconceptional environment and assisted reproduction technology. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:477-85. [PMID: 23933034 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The early embryonic environment has been shown to be remarkably influential on the developing organism, despite the relative brevity of this developmental stage. The cells of the zygote and cleavage-stage embryo hold the potential to form all cell lineages of the embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues, with gradual fate restriction occurring from the time of compaction and blastocyst formation. As such, these cells carry with them the potential to influence the phenotype of all successive cell types as the organism grows, differentiates and ages. The implication is, therefore, that sublethal adverse conditions which alter the developmental trajectory of these cells may have long-term implications for the health and development of the resulting offspring. One confirmed mechanism for the translation of environmental cues to phenotypic outcome is epigenetic modification of the genome to modulate chromatin packaging and gene expression in a cell- and lineage-specific manner. The influence of the periconceptional milieu on the epigenetic profile of the developing embryo has become a popular research focus in the quest to understand the effects of environment, nutrition and assisted reproduction technology on human development and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Lucas
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom.
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27
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Gorecki MJ, Long RL, Flematti GR, Stevens JC. Parental environment changes the dormancy state and karrikinolide response of Brassica tournefortii seeds. Ann Bot 2012; 109:1369-78. [PMID: 22492259 PMCID: PMC3359922 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcs067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The smoke-derived chemical karrikinolide (KAR(1)) shows potential as a tool to synchronize the germination of seeds for weed management and restoration. To assess its feasibility we need to understand why seeds from different populations of a species exhibit distinct responses to KAR(1). Environmental conditions during seed development, known as the parental environment, influence seed dormancy so we predicted that parental environment would also drive the KAR(1)-responses of seeds. Specifically, we hypothesized that (a) a common environment will unify the KAR(1)-responses of different populations, (b) a single population grown under different environmental conditions will exhibit different KAR(1)-responses, and (c) drought stress, as a particular feature of the parental environment, will make seeds less dormant and more responsive to KAR(1). METHODS Seeds of the weed Brassica tournefortii were collected from four locations in Western Australia and were sown in common gardens at two field sites, to test whether their KAR(1)-responses could be unified by a common environment. To test the effects of drought on KAR(1)-response, plants were grown in a glasshouse and subjected to water stress. For each trial, the germination responses of the next generation of seeds were assessed. KEY RESULTS The KAR(1)-responses of seeds differed among populations, but this variation was reduced when seeds developed in a common environment. The KAR(1)-responses of each population changed when seeds developed in different environments. Different parental environments affected germination responses of the populations differently, showing that parental environment interacts with genetics to determine KAR(1)-responses. Seeds from droughted plants were 5 % more responsive to KAR(1) and 5 % less dormant than seeds from well-watered plants, but KAR(1)-responses and dormancy state were not intrinsically linked in all experiments. CONCLUSIONS The parental environment in which seeds develop is one of the key drivers of the KAR(1)-responses of seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Gorecki
- School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Fraser Avenue, West Perth WA 6005, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
| | - R. L. Long
- School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Fraser Avenue, West Perth WA 6005, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
- For correspondence. E-mail
| | - G. R. Flematti
- School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
| | - J. C. Stevens
- School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Fraser Avenue, West Perth WA 6005, Australia
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28
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Barbazanges A, Piazza PV, Le Moal M, Maccari S. Maternal glucocorticoid secretion mediates long-term effects of prenatal stress. J Neurosci 1996; 16:3943-9. [PMID: 8656288 PMCID: PMC6578602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that stressors occurring during pregnancy can impair biological and behavioral adaptation to stress in the adult offspring. Mechanisms by which stress in the pregnant rat can influence development of the offspring are still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of maternal corticosterone secretion during pregnancy on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis activity of adult offspring. We investigated stress-induced corticosterone secretion and hippocampal type I and type II corticosteroid receptors in male adult rats submitted to prenatal stress born to either mothers with intact corticosterone secretion or mothers in which stress-induced corticosterone secretion was blocked by adrenalectomy with substitutive corticosterone therapy. Repeated restraint during the last week of pregnancy was used as prenatal stressor. Furthermore, the specific role of an injection of corticosterone before the restraint stress on adrenalectomized mothers with substitutive corticosterone treatment was also studied. We report here that blockade of the mother's stress-induced glucocorticoid secretion suppresses the prolonged stress-induced corticosteroid response and the decrease in type I hippocampal corticosteroid receptors usually observed in prenatally stressed adults. Conversely, corticosterone administered during stress, to mothers in which corticosterone secretion is blocked, reinstates the effects of prenatal stress. These results suggest for the first time that stress-induced increases in maternal glucocorticoids may be a mechanism by which prenatal stress impairs the development of the adult offspring's glucocorticoid response.
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