Long-lived epigenetic interactions between perinatal PBDE exposure and Mecp2308 mutation

Hum Mol Genet. 2012 Jun 1;21(11):2399-411. doi: 10.1093/hmg/dds046. Epub 2012 Feb 15.

Abstract

The widespread use of persistent organic polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as commercial flame retardants has raised concern about potential long-lived effects on human health. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, are responsive to environmental influences and have long-lasting consequences. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have complex neurodevelopmental origins whereby both genetic and environmental factors are implicated. Rett syndrome is an X-linked ASD caused by mutations in the epigenetic factor methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2). In this study, an Mecp2 truncation mutant mouse (Mecp2(308)) with social behavioral defects was used to explore the long-lasting effects of PBDE exposure in a genetically and epigenetically susceptible model. Mecp2(308/+) dams were perinatally exposed daily to 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether 47 (BDE-47) and bred to wild-type C57BL/6J males, and the offspring of each sex and genotype were examined for developmental, behavioral and epigenetic outcomes. Perinatal BDE-47 exposure negatively impacted fertility of Mecp2(308/+) dams and preweaning weights of females. Global hypomethylation of adult brain DNA was observed specifically in female offspring perinatally exposed to BDE-47 and it coincided with reduced sociability in a genotype-independent manner. A reversing interaction of Mecp2 genotype on BDE-47 exposure was observed in a short-term memory test of social novelty that corresponded to increased Dnmt3a levels specifically in BDE-47-exposed Mecp2(308/+) offspring. In contrast, learning and long-term memory in the Morris water maze was impaired by BDE-47 exposure in female Mecp2(308/+) offspring. These results demonstrate that a genetic and environmental interaction relevant to social and cognitive behaviors shows sexual dimorphism, epigenetic dysregulation, compensatory molecular mechanisms and specific behavioral deficits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / metabolism
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / genetics
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • DNA Methyltransferase 3A
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity
  • Epigenomics*
  • Female
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
  • Male
  • Maternal Exposure / adverse effects
  • Maze Learning
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 / genetics*
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Mutation*
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls / adverse effects
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls / toxicity*

Substances

  • DNMT3A protein, human
  • Dnmt3a protein, mouse
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
  • Mecp2 protein, mouse
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls
  • 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
  • DNA Methyltransferase 3A