The objectives of this grant are to continue our studies on the control of the expression of MHC class I antigens in the placenta of the rat and to explore their role in the outcome of pregnancy using molecular, cytochemical, ultrastructural and embryo transfer techniques.
The specific aims are threefold: First, oligonucleotide probes specific for the Pa and Aa genes, based on unique differences between them, will be prepared, and they will be tested using the appropriate inbred and recombinant strains of rats. Then the molecular analysis of Pa+ and Pa- strains will focus on the differences by RFLP analysis in the Pa gene in both types of strains and whether the Pa gene is transcribed in Pa- strains. Second, the three types of control of MHC antigen expression in the placenta will be explored. Genomic imprinting of the Pa and Aa genes and of the genes controlling the expression of the classical (A) and nonclassical (E) class I antigens will be determined by studying their transcription. Constitutive suppression of class I antigens in the labyrinthine trophoblast and of all class II antigens in the placenta will be studied by determining the effect of 5- azacytidine on their expression and on their levels of methylation. Both in vivo experiments and a unique tissue culture system will be used. The effects of seminal fluid and of the timing of embryo transfer will be used to examine the inducible suppression of the classical class I antigens in the outcome of pregnancy will be explored using the transfer of embryos fertilized in vivo or in vitro, different combinations of strains and multiple embryo transfers. The latter approach will provide a unique animal model for exploring the potential role of immunological mechanisms in secondary recurrent spontaneous abortions. The questions addressed have been raised by cogent problems in basic developmental biology and in clinical medicine. The work forms an integral part of our overall hypothesis about the critical role of MHC and MHC- linked genes in reproduction, growth and development, and susceptibility to cancer. A substantial body of evidence from our experimental studies in rats and from clinical studies by us and by others supports this hypothesis. In addition, the work will give some unique insights into the process of in vitro fertilization and into some potential causes for its failure.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37HD009880-21
Application #
2673426
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Program Officer
Klein, Steven
Project Start
1976-06-30
Project End
1998-12-31
Budget Start
1998-04-01
Budget End
1998-12-31
Support Year
21
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Helou, K; Yan, Q; Yuan, X J et al. (1999) Cytogenetic localization of the growth and reproduction complex (Grc) in the rat and in the mouse and its position in relation to RT1.EC and other loci in the rat MHC. Hereditas 130:105-9
Yuan, X J; Kunz, H W; Gill 3rd, T J (1999) Physical mapping and sequencing of class I genes in a 150-kb contig in the EC region. Transplant Proc 31:1507-12
Gill 3rd, T J (1999) Mechanisms of action of major-histocompatibility-complex-linked genes affecting reproduction. Am J Reprod Immunol 41:23-33
Yuan, X J; Salgar, S; McCarthy, B D et al. (1999) Molecular and biological properties of genes in the Grc and EC regions. Transplant Proc 31:1505-6
Salgar, S K; Kunz, H W; Gill 3rd, T J (1998) Structural organization, sequence analysis, and physical mapping of the Grc-linked class Ib gene RT1.S3 in the rat. Immunogenetics 48:76-81
Gill 3rd, T J (1997) Genetics of reproduction and its evolutionary significance. Am J Reprod Immunol 38:141-5
Gill 3rd, T J (1997) Genetic factors in reproduction and their evolutionary significance. Am J Reprod Immunol 37:7-16
Salgar, S K; Yuan, X; Kunz, H W et al. (1997) Physical mapping and structural analysis of new gene families RT1.S and Rps2r in the grc region of the rat major histocompatibility complex. Immunogenetics 45:353-64
Kunz, H W; Yuan, X J; Salgar, S K et al. (1997) Immunogenetic and oncogenic properties of rat trophoblast cell lines. Am J Reprod Immunol 38:158-61
Gill 3rd, T J; Salgar, S K; Yuan, X J et al. (1997) Current status of the genetic and physical maps of the major histocompatibility complex in the rat. Transplant Proc 29:1657-9

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