Grantee Research Project Results
Determinants of Fetal Male Rat Germ Cell Vulnerability to Phthalate Esters
EPA Grant Number: R830766Title: Determinants of Fetal Male Rat Germ Cell Vulnerability to Phthalate Esters
Investigators: Gaido, Kevin
Institution: The Hamner Institutes
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: February 24, 2003 through February 23, 2006 (Extended to March 31, 2007)
Project Amount: $725,736
RFA: Children's Vulnerability to Toxic Substances in the Environment (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Children's Health , Human Health
Objective:
The objective of this proposal is to identify key molecular events associated with germ cell development in the male rat testes that are targets for endocrine active chemicals following in utero exposure. Phthalate esters represent an important class of environmental chemicals to which humans are widely exposed and to which the developing male rat reproductive tract is highly vulnerable. In utero exposure of male rats to phthalate esters results in hypospadias, cryptorchidism, fetal gonocyte degeneration, and permanent reduction in post-pubertal sperm production and fertility. The mechanism by which phthalates cause these effects remains to be determined. We hypothesize that phthalates alter expression of key genes necessary for gonocyte survival in the developing testes resulting in permanent changes in testis function and germ cell development.
Approach:
This hypothesis will be tested by investigating the following specific aims: 1) identify key cellular and molecular pathways involved in germ cell development in the male rat that are targets for DBP following in utero exposure; 2) determine the effect of in utero exposure to DBP on germ cell responsiveness to cell proliferation and survival factors; and 3) link DBP-induced changes in gonocyte gene expression with phthalate ester-induced germ cell toxicity by comparing the effect of in utero exposure of DBP with in utero exposure to another male reproductive toxic phthalate (DEHP) and a non-toxic phthalate (DEP).
Expected Results:
The proposed studies will identify critical genes and pathways associated with male germ cell development that are targets for phthalate esters in the male rat testes in utero. This information will be critical for the determination of whether phthalate esters can act similarly in humans.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 22 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 3 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
sensitive subpopulation, teratogen, reproductive development, children's health, phthalate esters, gene expression, apoptosis, cell proliferation, endocrine active chemical, androgen, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Health, PHYSICAL ASPECTS, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Health Risk Assessment, Chemicals, Endocrine Disruptors - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Risk Assessments, endocrine disruptors, Environmental Microbiology, Physical Processes, Biochemistry, Endocrine Disruptors - Human Health, Biology, fetal exposure, altered gene expression, germ cell vulnerability, molecular mechanisms, endocrine disrupting chemicals, exposure, altered sexual development, EDCs, exposure studies, developmental biology, gestational exposure, animal models, fetal development, mice, reproductive processes, fetal genocyte degeneration, phthalates, human health riskProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.