Autism-like behaviors and abnormality of glucose metabolism in offspring derived from aging males with epigenetically modified sperm
Wenlong Zhao, Ni-Hao Gu, Zhengzheng Li, Guishuan Wang, C. Yan Cheng, Fei Sun
Abstract
generations from 12- and 18-month-old male mice, respectively. Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) of sperm from APA mice identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) within the whole genome, and DMRs within promoter regions, suggesting that specific genes and relevant pathways might be associated with autism and aberrant glucose metabolism in the offspring from APA males. These results strongly suggest that epigenetic reprogramming induced by aging in male sperm may lead to high risks of aberrant glucose metabolism and the development of ASD behaviors in intergenerational and transgenerational offspring.
Topics & Concepts
OffspringEpigeneticsBiologyDNA methylationAutismReprogrammingDifferentially methylated regionsGeneticsSpermBisulfite sequencingGenePsychologyPregnancyGene expressionDevelopmental psychologyAutism Spectrum Disorder ResearchNeuroendocrine regulation and behaviorChild Development and Digital Technology