Cited by 50Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal AbnormalitiesEffects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicalsReproductive biology and impacts on aquatic species

Embryonic PCB Exposure Alters Phenotypic, Genetic, and Epigenetic Profiles in Turtle Sex Determination, a Biomarker of Environmental Contamination

Matsumoto, Yuiko, Hannigan, Brette, Crews, David·2014·Endocrinology

Abstract

In species with temperature-dependent sex determination, embryonic gonadal differentiation can be modified by exposure to exogenous chemicals such as environmental contaminants. Although phenotypic outcomes of such events are well documented, the underlying molecular mechanisms are rarely described. Here we examine the genetic and epigenetic effect of the embryonic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on gonad differentiation in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta). Some PCB congeners are without effect whereas others synergize to alter sex determination in this species. Application of two potent PCB congeners alter the physiological processes of gonad development normally dictated by the male-producing temperature (MPT), resulting sex ratios significantly biased toward female hatchlings. Of these PCB-induced females, oviduct formation is prominently distorted regardless of ovary development. Further, gonadal expression of ovarian markers, aromatase, FoxL2, and Rspo1, is activated whereas testicular markers, Dmrt1 and Sox9, are suppressed compared with typical expression patterns observed at MPT. DNA methylation profiles of the aromatase promoter in PCB-treated gonads do not follow the typical methylation pattern observed in embryos incubating at female-producing temperature. Rather, the MPT-typical methylation profiles is retained despite the induced ovarian formation. Overall, our studies demonstrate that PCB exposure alters the transcriptional profiles of genes responsible for gonadal differentiation but does not re-establish the epigenetic marks of the aromatase promoter normally set by incubation temperatures in embryonic gonads.

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Crossref · 10.1210/en.2014-1404

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Authors
Matsumoto, Y., Hannigan, B., & Crews, D.
Affiliations
The University of Texas at Austin (US)
Corresponding author
Crews, David
Venue
Endocrinology
Published
2014-11-01
Volume
155
Issue
11
Pages
4168-4177
ISSN
  • 0013-7227 (ISSN-L)
  • 1945-7170
OpenAlex
W2130767568
Cited by
50
References
50
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 5
FWCI
4.59
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Endocrinology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Physiology › Reproductive biology and impacts on aquatic species
Keywords
polychlorinated biphenyls, embryonic exposure, temperature-dependent sex determination, gonadal differentiation, red-eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta, DNA methylation, sex reversal, FOXL2, RSPO1, DMRT1, SOX9, environmental pollutants, sex ratio bias, epigenetic inheritance
MeSH terms
Animals, Embryo, Nonmammalian, Environmental Exposure, Environmental Monitoring, Female, Male, Phenotype, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Turtles, Water Pollutants, Chemical, Biomarkers, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Sex Determination Processes, Epigenesis, Genetic, Endocrine Disruptors

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