Ovarian DNA Methylation in Agouti Mice

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 females. PCOS may be caused by various environmental and genetic factors and presents abnormalities such as hyperandrogenism and infertility. Looking at animal models of PCOS can demonstrate the pathways that mediate PCOS. Agouti mice present with PCOS as a consequence of their condition. Previous work at ISU has shown perturbation in one-carbon metabolism (OCM) which suggests path alterations during PCOS progression. The purpose of this research project was to see if this OCM irregularity led to alterations in DNA methylation. DNA was isolated from ovary tissue samples of agouti and lean control groups using a DNA isolation kit. The isolated DNA was then analyzed for methylation via a global DNA methylation ELISA. Results showed a significantly higher global methylation in the agouti samples. This suggests that OCM perturbation is responsible for the hypermethylation observed in agouti PCOS models.