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An RNA‐Sequencing Approach to Understanding the Genetic Influences on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Author(s) -
Bingham Stephanie,
Gallagher Alayna,
Flores Annalliam,
Trinidad Jennyvette,
Arboleda Vania,
Almeida Rego Julia,
Villada Daniel
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.lb115
Subject(s) - biology , gene , embryonic stem cell , genetics , zebrafish , gene expression
Ethanol is a known teratogen, though the precise mechanisms by which it exerts this effect are not well understood. In the current study, we aimed to get a handle on the genetic pathways that are disrupted as a result of embryonic ethanol exposure. Using an RNA sequencing approach, we scanned the genome of embryonic zebrafish and performed a comparison of gene expression levels in treated and untreated embryos. The whole‐genome analysis revealed 86 gene sequences that were significantly up‐ or down‐regulated following embryonic exposure. Through prioritization, we narrowed this number down to 40. Using genome search engines, the genes were classified according to spatial expression and function and distinct gene categories were revealed. The most abundant gene category (21%) was that of metal‐binding proteins, followed by actin‐binding (14%) and oxidoreducatase and kinase functions (both 7%). Follow‐up studies are now being performed on the first two of the genes of interest: TyrP1 and CENPF. TyrP1 is an integral membrane protein with diverse roles including melanocyte differentiation. CENPF, on the other hand, is a nuclear matrix protein and regulator of the cell cycle. Further analysis of the latter and its function may reveal an answer to the age‐old question of whether the reduced brain size, a hallmark of fetal alcohol syndrome, is a result of reduced cell division, increased cell death, or a combination of the two. Support or Funding Information This research was funded by the Department of Biology and a Faculty Senate research minigrant, Barry University. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal .