Tejas Goswami
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Research Mentor(s): Pini Perera
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Environmental Health Sciences / Public Health
Program:
Authors: Tejas Goswami, Dana C. Dolinoy, Justin A. Colacino , Bambarendage Perera
Session: Session 7: 4:40 pm – 5:30 pm
Poster: 26
Abstract
Human exposure to environmental toxicants is a prevalent issue across the world. Specifically, both acute and chronic exposure with the heavy metal lead (Pb) can induce a host of health complications (such as neurological disorders), and it is especially harmful during early development due to its ability to persist in the body through adulthood. Although previous studies have investigated Pb exposure effects on epigenetics, its impact on the mechanism of genomic imprinting is still unknown. Genomic imprinting occurs when only one copy of a gene, either maternal or paternal, is expressed, while the other is suppressed or “imprinted” via epigenetic regulation [1]. To explore the mechanistic relationship between Pb and genomic imprinting in early development, female mice were treated with either a control or a human-relevant dose (32 ppm) of Pb drinking water over 4 weeks. Upon sacrifice at 13-15 days post-conception, placenta and embryo tissues were extracted, weighted, and snap frozen. A portion of these samples (1 male and 1 female per litter; n=9 per group) were homogenized for DNA, RNA, and small RNA extraction through established protocols (QIAGEN kits). We have completed the nucleic acid extractions, and the samples are currently being sequenced (RNA-seq). Therefore, while no definitive results can be declared, the masses (g) of the placentas and embryos derived from Pb-exposed animals are consistently higher than control. This trend, as we anticipated, suggests that Pb exposure is most likely associated with epigenetic dysregulation that may alter offspring development and birth outcomes. The current investigation will determine whether these changes occur due to alterations in imprinted gene expression, via RNA-seq. These results will provide mechanistic parameters in our understanding of genomic imprinting while enhancing a path for interventions to alleviate Pb-induced complications during development. 1. National Human Genome Research Institute. (n.d.). Genetic imprinting. Genome.gov. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genetic-Imprinting
