Trevor R. Covert
Associate in Research
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA BS 2008 Genetics & Cell Biology
Research/Professional Experience:
Associate in Research, Epigenetics, 2008-
Research Assistant, Epigenetics, 2004-2008
Research Assistant, Genetics, 2003-2004
Publications:
Memon, M, Anway, M, Covert, T, Uzumcu, M, and Skinner, M.
2008. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta1,
TGFbeta2, TGFbeta3) null-mutant phenotypes in embryonic
gonadal development. Mol Cell Endocrinology, 294: 70-80.
Research Projects:
ACTIVE
Transgenerational Epigenetic Effects of Endocrine
Disruptors on the Mouse Vinclozolin, a model
environmental toxin, is known to cause defects in male
fertility in the rat. When pregnant female rats are
exposed to vinclozolin during the critical period of sex
determination, male offspring and three subsequent
generations exhibit significant effects on
spermatogenesis. Transient embryonic exposure to
vinclozolin in the mouse results in reductions in sperm
concentration and motility, and increases in germ cell
apoptosis. The hypothesis tested is that transient
embryonic exposure to the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin
in the mouse results in abnormal germ cell
differentiation that leads to subsequent defects in adult
male fertility and that this phenotype is
transgenerational through the male germ-line. The
specific aims that are proposed to test this
hypothesis include: 1A) Determine the transgenerational
effects of vinclozolin on testis development and
gametogenesis in the mouse, and 1B) Identify the effects
of aging on male mouse fertility following embryonic
exposure to vinclozolin, and subsequent generations of
male offspring. These specific aims are important in
further characterizing a novel model for
transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in
mammals.
PENDING
None