DNA methylation and olfactory receptors gene expression

• Grant number: 12/15882-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: December 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Bettina Malnic
• Grantee: Artur Guazzelli Leme Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The olfactory receptor (OR) genes belong the largest gene family discovered in mammals, 1000 genes in mice and 350 genes of humans. These proteins are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their signal transduction pathway is well known, it is similar to that found in other neurotransmitters cells. The expression of the OR gene shows some singularities. Each olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) expresses one single OR gene allele. In addition, each OR gene is expressed in one out of four zones of the olfactory epithelium. The mechanisms that control the selection of an OR gene to be expressed are not known. Some results show that epigenetic mechanisms, like methylation of histones, are related to the regulation of OR gene expression. However, it is not known whether DNA methylation plays a role in OR gene transcription. The aim of this project is to investigate if the methylation of DNA is involved in the regulation of OR gene expression in olfactory sensory neurons. In order to do this, we will compare the pattern of OR gene methylation in genomic DNA obtained from OSNs with the pattern of OR gene methylation in genomic DNA obtained from liver, a tissue which does not express these genes. We will also verify if the DNA methylation pattern of a specific OR gene differs between olfactory neurons that express this gene and neurons that do not express it. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

LEME SILVA, ARTUR GUAZZELLI; NAGAI, MAIRA HARUME; NAKAHARA, THIAGO SEIKE; MALNIC, BETTINA. Genetic Background Effects on the Expression of an Odorant Receptor Gene. FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE, v. 15, FEB 25 2021. (12/15882-6, 18/11860-4, 16/24471-0)

MALNIC, BETTINA; LEME SILVA, ARTUR GUAZZELLI; NAGAI, MAIRA H.. DNA methylation pattern of an odorant receptor gene. CHEMICAL SENSES, v. 44, n. 3, p. 2-pg., 2019-03-01. (16/24471-0, 12/15882-6)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

SILVA, Artur Guazzelli Leme. Single nucleotide polymorphisms lead to differential DNA methylation in odorant receptor genes. 2018. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ) São Paulo.