The multidisciplinary research teams in this consortium have played lead roles in establishing that fetal and childhood periods are vulnerable to environmental disruption leading to common reproductive disorders. This proposal will investigate:

(1) connections between normal/abnormal perinatal reproductive development and maturation of reproductive function at puberty and in adulthood;

(2) systemic gene-environment interactions underlying reproductive disorders taking account of genetic susceptibility, multiple exposures (e.g. mixtures of environmental chemicals) and their timing (perinatal, peripubertal, adult);

(3) connection between perinatal reproductive development and later obesity/metabolic disorders. To achieve this we will utilize large cohorts generated in previous EU projects and collect new data from these on reproductive maturation and adult function. Existing genomic and proteomics data, exposure data for >100 potentially toxic environmental chemicals, lifestyle, dietary and medical history information will be analyzed using integrative systems biology approaches to pinpoint critical (interacting) factors influencing development.

The UCO group is responsible for one of the work-packages of the project, aiming at deciphering the potential relationship between early exposures to hormonally active compounds and alterations of puberty and metabolism later in life. The UCO group will work in animal models to generate mechanistic knowledge of potential translational interest.

The DEER project continues research activities of the consortium in the field of endocrine disruption. It also includes analyses on the potential interplay of such compounds with additional regulators/ environmental modifiers, such as metabolic factors. Both clinical/epidemiological studies and mechanistic analyses (using suitable animal models) are being implemented in this project. It is expected that these research activities will help to better define the impact of environmental exposures on reproductive maturation (e.g., puberty) and adult reproductive health (e.g., sperm production, fecundity). Exposures to specific endocrine disrupting compounds will be assessed in humans, and the potential clinical impact of such exposures will be monitored. Special attention will be made to evaluate potential gene-environment interactions, and to determine the impact (and eventual mechanisms) for early developmental disorders on later obesity/metabolic alterations.

Implementation of this project will generate basic and applied/clinical knowledge regarding the mechanisms whereby different environmental factors (including not only endocrine disrupting compounds but also metabolic factors) may interfere with normal reproductive development (puberty) and function. Special attention will be on the identification of male reproductive disorders, although female issues will be also considered.

Balance Energético y Función Reproductora

Code PAIDI: BIO-310

Manuel Tena Sempere. Socio. 

Universidad de Córdoba

Budget of Andalusian group: € 466,282.00

www.uco.es