Methylation defects of imprinted genes in human testicular spermatozoa

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2010

Autores

Marques, CJ (Autor) Outra; Francisco, T (Autor) Outra; Sousa, S (Autor) Outra; carvalho, f (Autor) FMUP; barros, a (Autor) FMUP; sousa, m (Autor) ICBAS

Revista

Título: Fertility and Sterility

Vol. 94

Páginas: 585-594

ISSN: 0015-0282

Editora: Elsevier

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 94 Citações

Scopus - 107 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-003-579

DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.02.051

Abstract (EN): Objective: To study the methylation imprinting marks of two oppositely imprinted genes, H19 and MEST/PEG1, in human testicular spermatozoa from azoospermic patients with different etiologies. Testicular spermatozoa are often used in intracytoplasmic sperm injection for treatment of male factor infertility, but the imprinting status of these cells is currently unknown. Design: Experimental prospective study. Setting: University research laboratory and private in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic. Patient(s): A total of 24 men, five with anejaculation, five with secondary obstructive azoospermia, five with primary obstructive azoospermia, and nine with secretory azoospermia due to hypospermatogenesis. Intervention(s): Spermatozoa were isolated by micromanipulation from testicular biopsies. Main Outcome Measure(s): DNA methylation patterns were analyzed using bisulfite genomic sequencing with cloning analysis. Result(s): We found H19 complete methylation was statistically significantly reduced in secretory azoospermic patients with hypospermatogenesis, with one patient presenting complete unmethylation. Hypomethylation also affected the CTCF-binding site 6, involved in regulation of IGF2 expression. Regarding the MEST gene, all patients presented complete unmethylation although this was statistically significantly reduced in the anejaculation group. Conclusion(s): Testicular spermatozoa from men with abnormal spermatogenesis carry methylation defects in the H19 imprinted gene which also affect the CTCF-binding site, further supporting an association between the occurrence of imprinting errors and disruptive spermatogenesis. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;94:585-94. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 10