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  • Review Article
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Transgenerational neuroendocrine disruption of reproduction

Nature Reviews Endocrinology volume 7, pages 197–207 (2011)Cite this article

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Abstract

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is associated with dysfunctions of metabolism, energy balance, thyroid function and reproduction, and an increased risk of endocrine cancers. These multifactorial disorders can be 'programmed' through molecular epigenetic changes induced by exposure to EDCs early in life, the expression of which may not manifest until adulthood. In some cases, EDCs have detrimental effects on subsequent generations, which indicates that traits for disease predisposition may be passed to future generations by nongenomic inheritance. This Review discusses current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms that underlie sexual differentiation of reproductive neuroendocrine systems in mammals and summarizes the literature on transgenerational epigenetic effects of representative EDCs: vinclozolin, diethylstilbesterol, bisphenol A and polychlorinated biphenyls. The article differentiates between context-dependent epigenetic transgenerational changes—namely, those that require environmental exposure, either via the EDC itself or through behavioral or physiological differences in parents—and germline-dependent epigenetic mechanisms. These processes, albeit discrete, are not mutually exclusive and can involve similar molecular mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications and may predispose exposed individuals to transgenerational disruption of reproductive processes. New insights stress the crucial need to develop a clear understanding of how EDCs may program the epigenome of exposed individuals and their descendants.

Key Points

  • The hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems develop in a sexually dimorphic manner, largely because of differences in levels of gonadal steroids

  • Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) impair the function of the neuroendocrine systems that control reproduction

  • Developmental exposure to EDCs, particularly during embryonic and early postnatal periods, permanently impairs functions and predisposes individuals to disease later in life owing to altered epigenetic programming

  • The mechanisms of EDC action include effects on the epigenetic molecular machinery that controls gene expression in hypothalamic and reproductive tissues

  • Effects of EDCs may be transmitted transgenerationally through molecular changes to the germline or through context-dependent modifications to somatic cells by continued exposures to EDCs or the individual's social or environmental context

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Figure 1: The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis.
Figure 2: DNA methylation and histone modifications.
Figure 3: Context-dependent epigenetic transmission.
Figure 4: Programming of methylation in the germline.
Figure 5: Transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic traits across three generations.
Figure 6: Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on mate preference in the F3 generation.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to David Crews for helpful discussions and comments on this manuscript. Belinda Lehmkuhle provided expert assistance with the figures. Work described in this article was supported by NIH 1RC1 ES018139.

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  1. Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, Box A1915, Austin, 78712, TX, USA

    Deena M. Walker

  2. Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, Box A1915, Austin, 78712, TX, USA

    Andrea C. Gore

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Walker, D., Gore, A. Transgenerational neuroendocrine disruption of reproduction. Nat Rev Endocrinol 7, 197–207 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2010.215

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