Class
Article
College
College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Department
Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Department
Faculty Mentor
Ralph G. Meyer
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Since 1980, the average age of first-time fathers has been increasing. With increased age, sperm chromatin quality and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels are reduced. In order to condense around protamines, sperm DNA undergoes breaks, at which time epigenetic reprogramming occurs. In humans, about 2% of DNA stays wound to histones in spermatozoa. Histones carry post-translational modifications that control gene activity and have the potential to transmit epigenetic information to the offspring. Analysis of epigenetic sperm modifications is being conducted within niacin deficient versus niacin replete mice. The experimental plan includes the characterization of histone exchange in elongating spermatids via immunoblotting using anti-histone modification specific antibodies and immunohistochemistry in testis sections, the detection of incomplete sperm chromatin maturation via chromomycin A3 staining, and the mapping of DNA strand breaks in spermatids and sperm using next-generation sequencing. Preliminary data suggests that histone H4 hyperacetylation, which is a prerequisite for the formation of mature sperm chromatin, in testis is decreased in niacin deficient mice. However, the percentage of stage 9-11, at which time histone H4 hyperacetylation occurs, seminiferous tubules within testis cross sections does not seem to differ. These preliminary findings suggest that the varying post-translational modifications on histones in niacin deficient mice testis may contribute to decreased fertility when compared to niacin replete mice.Presentation Time: Wednesday, 9-10 a.m.Zoom link: https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/81298203941?pwd=WXZkRjhqdlZNTVlidXk3UnB1K2VtUT09
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-11-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
Roles of NAD+ in Testicular Aging and Epigenetic Sperm Modifications
Logan, UT
Since 1980, the average age of first-time fathers has been increasing. With increased age, sperm chromatin quality and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels are reduced. In order to condense around protamines, sperm DNA undergoes breaks, at which time epigenetic reprogramming occurs. In humans, about 2% of DNA stays wound to histones in spermatozoa. Histones carry post-translational modifications that control gene activity and have the potential to transmit epigenetic information to the offspring. Analysis of epigenetic sperm modifications is being conducted within niacin deficient versus niacin replete mice. The experimental plan includes the characterization of histone exchange in elongating spermatids via immunoblotting using anti-histone modification specific antibodies and immunohistochemistry in testis sections, the detection of incomplete sperm chromatin maturation via chromomycin A3 staining, and the mapping of DNA strand breaks in spermatids and sperm using next-generation sequencing. Preliminary data suggests that histone H4 hyperacetylation, which is a prerequisite for the formation of mature sperm chromatin, in testis is decreased in niacin deficient mice. However, the percentage of stage 9-11, at which time histone H4 hyperacetylation occurs, seminiferous tubules within testis cross sections does not seem to differ. These preliminary findings suggest that the varying post-translational modifications on histones in niacin deficient mice testis may contribute to decreased fertility when compared to niacin replete mice.Presentation Time: Wednesday, 9-10 a.m.Zoom link: https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/81298203941?pwd=WXZkRjhqdlZNTVlidXk3UnB1K2VtUT09