Project 170414
Genetic integrity of the haploid male germ cells
Genetic integrity of the haploid male germ cells
Project Information
| Study Type: | Other Basic_Science |
| Therapeutic Area: | Rheumatology |
| Research Theme: | Biomedical |
| Disease Area: | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus |
Institution & Funding
| Principal Investigator(s): | Boissonneault, Guylain |
| Institution: | Université de Sherbrooke |
| CIHR Institute: | Genetics |
| Program: | |
| Peer Review Committee: | Endocrinology |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
| Term: | 4 yrs 0 mth |
Abstract Summary
The nuclear structure of male germ cells changes drastically just before they become mature spermatozoa. This transition provides a much greater stability to the nucleus once completed. We have shown that this change in structure is associated with the formation of DNA breakage at both strands (double-stranded breaks) in every cell and that it occurs naturally. Because these precursor cells possess half the chromosome set of a normal (somatic) cells, any damage to DNA cannot rely on an intact copy for template repair making this transition a very sensitive one. Our objectives are to determine the distribution of DNA strand breaks within the genome, the repair mechanism involved, the genetic consequences of this transition as well as its sensitivity to drugs such as those used in chemotherapy. We may therefore unravel an as yet unsuspected but important source of genetic instability transmitted to the embryos with an evolutionary impact.
Research Characteristics
This project includes the following research characteristics:
Study Justification
"study the role of B cell tolerance and functional abnormalities in human lupus"
Novelty Statement
"exploring B cell functional abnormalities in human lupus which has not been well explored"
Methodology Innovation
investigation of B cell functional abnormalities in human lupus