Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is the first synthetic estrogenic compound prescribed to pregnant women to prevent miscarriage. Between 1947 and 1971, more than one million U.S. women were exposed to DES in utero, which predisposed them to reproductive tract patterning defects and clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix at a young age. Changes in reproductive system development have subsequently led to infertility problems for these women. Even worse, DES was introduced into the environment for its ability to accelerate cattle growth. In 1971 alone, more than 27,600 kilograms of DES were used in livestock feed lots. Unfortunately, we still know very little about the molecular mechanism by which DES affects reproductive tract development. To address this mechanism is important because many synthetic and naturally occurring chemicals we are currently exposed to also mimic estrogen and could affect the health of the next generation in a similar fashion as DES did. This proposal will dissect the genetic pathways affected by DES during female reproductive tract (FRT) development. Our preliminary studies show that several developmental control genes are regulated by DES during critical period of uterine cytodifferentiation. In particular, homeodomain protein Msx2 appears crucial in counteracting the effect of DES on the devleoping FRT as DES induces very dramatic reproductive patterning defects in Msx2 mutants, resulted from altered molecular changes in these mutants. The present grant will continue to test the hypothesis that DES can change uterine epithelial cell fate by affecting genetic pathways governing uterine cytodifferentiation.
In aim 1, the role of Msx2 in uterine and vaginal development and DES-induced FRT malformations will be rigorously examined.
In aim II, we will use gain and loss of function approaches in vivo to examine whether Klf4 is both necessary and sufficient for DES-induced uterine metaplasia. Finally in aim III, we will test the hypothesis that DES affects luminal epithelial architecture through modulation of the Wnt pathway. By completing these studies, we should be able to build genetic pathways controlling uterine development and address how DES can cause abnormal FRT patterning through modulation of these pathways. Our long term goal is to use mouse as a model to study reproductive tract development and how exogenous factors can influence this process. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01ES014482-02
Application #
7162953
Study Section
Integrative and Clinical Endocrinology and Reproduction Study Section (ICER)
Program Officer
Heindel, Jerrold
Project Start
2006-01-01
Project End
2010-11-30
Budget Start
2006-12-01
Budget End
2007-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$351,685
Indirect Cost
Name
Washington University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
068552207
City
Saint Louis
State
MO
Country
United States
Zip Code
63130
Yin, Yan; Lin, Congxing; Zhang, Ivy et al. (2015) Homeodomain Transcription Factor Msx-2 Regulates Uterine Progenitor Cell Response to Diethylstilbestrol. J Stem Cell Transplant Biol 1:
Yin, Yan; Lin, Congxing; Veith, G Michael et al. (2012) Neonatal diethylstilbestrol exposure alters the metabolic profile of uterine epithelial cells. Dis Model Mech 5:870-80
He, Zhenhua; Cai, Jing; Lim, Jong-Won et al. (2011) A novel KRAB domain-containing zinc finger transcription factor ZNF431 directly represses Patched1 transcription. J Biol Chem 286:7279-89
Yin, Yan; Lin, Congxing; Kim, Sung Tae et al. (2011) The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin 4A regulates meiotic progression in mouse spermatogenesis. Dev Biol 356:51-62
Lin, Congxing; Fisher, Alexander V; Yin, Yan et al. (2011) The inductive role of Wnt-?-Catenin signaling in the formation of oral apparatus. Dev Biol 356:40-50
Cai, Jing; Ma, Liang (2011) Msx2 and Foxn1 regulate nail homeostasis. Genesis 49:449-59
Kiefer, Susan M; Robbins, Lynn; Stumpff, Kelly M et al. (2010) Sall1-dependent signals affect Wnt signaling and ureter tip fate to initiate kidney development. Development 137:3099-106
Ma, Liang (2009) Endocrine disruptors in female reproductive tract development and carcinogenesis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 20:357-63
Lin, Congxing; Yin, Yan; Chen, Hong et al. (2009) Construction and characterization of a doxycycline-inducible transgenic system in Msx2 expressing cells. Genesis 47:352-9
Lin, Congxing; Yin, Yan; Veith, G Michael et al. (2009) Temporal and spatial dissection of Shh signaling in genital tubercle development. Development 136:3959-67

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