Abstract
As histone modifications have been suggested to be involved in the regulation of gene expression after fertilisation, the present study aimed to analyze the interaction between the bromodomain testis-specific (BRDT) gene and differentially modified histones in human spermatozoa. The BRDT transcript level was studied to identify possible correlations between epigenetic changes, mRNA level and subfertility associated with impaired sperm chromatin condensation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed with ejaculates from fertile and subfertile men using antibodies against specifically acetylated and methylated histone H3. Immunoprecipitated DNA was analysed by real-time quantitative PCR with primer pairs for BRDT. The BRDT mRNA level was screened by real-time RT-PCR. ChIP assay revealed co-localisation of acetylated and methylated histones within promoter and exon regions of the BRDT gene in fertile men. Interestingly, reduced binding of investigated modified histone modifications was observed in the BRDT promoter of subfertile patients. Different mRNA levels of BRDT have been detected in a group of infertile patients, as well as in fertile men. Enrichment of methylated histones within the BRDT promoter of fertile sperm suggests that this epigenetic mark may cause repression of BRDT after fertilisation, and may be changed in infertile patients. Our data suggest that reduced histone methylation in the promoter of BRDT may be associated with increased transcript levels in subfertile patients.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
