Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, was widely administered to pregnant women between 1947 and 1971 on account of a misconception that it could prevent miscarriages. The offspring of these women were diagnosed with various reproductive tract abnormalities, including cancer. We focused this study on DES-induced abnormalities in the uterus. We screened for altered DNA methylation patterns in uteri from control vs. neonatally DES-treated hamsters using MSRF. Preliminary results show differential DNA methylation patterns in uteri of control vs. DES-treated hamsters. Next we will determine the nucleotide sequence of the differentially methylated genetic elements.

Paper presented to the 5th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, May 1, 2009.Research completed at the Department of Biological Sciences