Grantee Research Project Results
Mechanisms of In Utero BPA Exposure on Fetal Gonad Development
EPA Grant Number: R834593C003Subproject: this is subproject number 003 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R834593
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Water Innovation Network for Sustainable Small Systems
Center Director: Reckhow, David A.
Title: Mechanisms of In Utero BPA Exposure on Fetal Gonad Development
Investigators: Schantz, Susan L.
Current Investigators: Flaws, Jodi
Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , Harvard University , Michigan State University
Current Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: February 15, 2010 through February 14, 2014
RFA: Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Centers: Formative Centers (with NIEHS) (2009) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Children's Health , Human Health
Objective:
The main objective of this research project is to understand how in utero Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure affects fetal gonadal development and reproduction in adulthood in mice. In utero exposure to estrogenic endocrine disruptors such as diethylsfilbestrol (DES) is known to cause sex organ malformation, reproductive carcinogenesis, and fertility defects in both male and female in humans and rodents. Based on DES studies, it is proposed that in utero exposure to other endocrine disruptors, particularly those that work through estrogen receptors, may lead to reproductive diseases in adulthood. BPA, a chemical used in synthesis of plastics, exhibits estrogenic activities and deleterious effects on reproduction when given to adult rodents. BPA is detected in serum of pregnant women, umbilical cord blood, and fetal plasma, indicating that developing fetuses are exposed to BPA. Although effects of BPA on adult reproductive organs have been studied extensively, impacts of in utero BPA exposure particularly on fetal gonadal development are not well understood. In vitro experiments have suggested that BPA, similar to other estrogenic compounds, could bind to classical nuclear estrogen receptors (ERa or p), which are present in fetal mouse gonads. Therefore, the main goal of this Research Project is to test the hypothesis that in utero exposure to BPA causes gonadal defects in fetal and adult life via ERs. We design two specific aims to 1) investigate whether loss of ERa or |3 in fetal gonads render embryos insensitive to deleterious effects of BPA in reproductive functions and 2) study whether over expression of ER increases the susceptibility of embryos to in utero exposure of BPA. The proposed experiments take advantage of the power of transgenic mouse models in combination of classic toxicological approaches.
Expected Results:
This project will not only provide animal models to test hypotheses that human models cannot, but also complementary information to interpret results of other components of the formative grant.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this subproject: View all 3 publications for this subproject | View all 35 publications for this centerJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this subproject: View all 3 journal articles for this subproject | View all 9 journal articles for this centerSupplemental Keywords:
health effects, sensitive populations, genetic polymorphisms, epidemiology,, RFA, Health, Scientific Discipline, Environmental Chemistry, Health Risk Assessment, Risk Assessments, Biochemistry, Children's Health, children's vulnerablity, biological markers, human health riskProgress and Final Reports:
Main Center Abstract and Reports:
R834593 Water Innovation Network for Sustainable Small Systems Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R834593C001 Prenatal Exposure to BPA/Phthalates: Infant Physical and Behavioral Development
R834593C002 Adolescent Exposure to BPA/Phthalates Cognitive and Behavioral Development
R834593C003 Mechanisms of In Utero BPA Exposure on Fetal Gonad Development
R834593C004 Effects of Bisphenol A on the Developing Cortex
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.
Project Research Results
3 journal articles for this subproject
Main Center: R834593
35 publications for this center
9 journal articles for this center