Sex differences in Gadd45b expression and methylation in the developing rodent amygdala

Brain Res. 2016 Jul 1:1642:461-466. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.04.031. Epub 2016 Apr 14.

Abstract

Precise spatiotemporal epigenetic regulation of the genome facilitates species-typical development; sexual differentiation of the brain by gonadal hormones and sex chromosomes causes extensive epigenetic reprogramming of many cells in the body, including the brain, and may indirectly predispose males and females to different psychiatric conditions. We and others have demonstrated sex differences in DNA methylation, as well as in the enzymes that form, or 'write', this epigenetic modification. However, while a growing body of evidence suggests that DNA methylation undergoes rapid turnover and is dynamically regulated in vivo, to our knowledge no studies have been done investigating whether sex differences exist in the epigenetic 'erasers' during postnatal development. Here we report sex differences in the expression of growth arrest and DNA damage inducible factor β (Gadd45b), but not family members α (a) or γ (g), in the neonatal and juvenile rodent amygdala.

Keywords: Amygdala; Epigenetics; Gadd45b; Sex differences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amygdala / drug effects
  • Amygdala / growth & development*
  • Amygdala / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Antigens, Differentiation / genetics
  • Antigens, Differentiation / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation / physiology
  • Dihydrotestosterone / administration & dosage
  • Dihydrotestosterone / metabolism
  • Estrogens / administration & dosage
  • Estrogens / metabolism
  • Female
  • GADD45 Proteins
  • Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Hormones / metabolism
  • Hypothalamus / drug effects
  • Hypothalamus / growth & development
  • Hypothalamus / metabolism
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Models, Animal
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / physiology
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Testosterone / administration & dosage
  • Testosterone / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, Differentiation
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Estrogens
  • Gadd45a protein, rat
  • Gadd45b protein, rat
  • Hormones
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Dihydrotestosterone
  • Testosterone