Analysis of trout sperm nuclear proteins
EMSL Project ID
30509
Abstract
We are using a fish model, the rainbow trout, as a human surrogate to investigate the reproductive consequences of xenoestrogen exposure on male reproduction. In previous studies, we documented reduced embryo survival resulting from fathers exposed to the xenoestrogen 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2), which was caused by increased sperm aneuploidy (abnormal numbers of chromosomes) that translated into many (~40%) aneuploid offspring. Additional DNA microarray analysis of testes from exposed trout indicated reduced expression of histone genes (histone h1 and h1(0)). These findings are intriguing because recent research in non-vertebrate model systems such as C. elegans and Drosophila are establishing a role for histones and other sperm nuclear proteins in regulating chromatin structure and are emerging as a more likely target for causing aneuploidy. Thus, we are proposing to assess changes in trout sperm histone composition and histone post-translational modifications during sexual maturation in control trout and trout continuously exposed to EE2. Using flow cytometry, we will isolate sperm cells at various stages of maturation from control and exposed trout, which will be used in subsequent proteomic studies. The trout model provides an excellent system to study mechanisms of induced aneuploidy because aneuploid sperm are reliably produced upon EE2 exposure and are easily quantified. The research proposed in this project has the potential for identifying fundamental aspects of sperm proteins as they pertain to chromatin structure and thus offer insights into the mechanisms of paternal infertility.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2008-10-01
End Date
2009-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members