Epigenetic Regulation of Autism-Associated Genes by Environmental Insults: Novel Associations

Abstract

We hypothesized that exposure to environmental factors could impact gene expression in the brain and could play a key role in environmental-induced cases of autism. Accordingly, we established mouse embryonic cortical cultures of neurons and astrocytes, and exposed them to commonly occurring epigenetic modifying agents. To study the effects of such exposure on the methylation status of neuronal and astrocytes DNA, we designed primers for bisulfite DNA sequencing and methylation specific PCR of CpG islands of autism-associated genes, Bdnf, Gad67, Mecp2, and Reln). To study the effects of environment exposure on gene expression, we used RT Real Time PCR. mRNA from primary neurons was reverse transcribed and used in the assays. DNA samples from primary neurons treated as reported was prepared and frozen. They will be analyzed by BS and MSP.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA518103

Entities

People

  • Abdeslem El Idrissi
  • Daniel Kerr
  • Daryl Spinner
  • Giuseppe Lafauci

Organizations

  • Research Foundation For Mental Hygiene

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amniotic Fluid
  • Anatomy
  • Astrocytes
  • Biomedical Research
  • Brain
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Culture Techniques
  • Data Analysis
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Dna Sequence Analysis
  • Gel Electrophoresis
  • Gene Expression
  • Methylation
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Neurons
  • Tissue Culture

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Science in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Neuroscience