Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biology

Second Department

Psychology

Reader 1

Aditi Vyas

Reader 2

Jose Arreola

Abstract

Developmental effects of fetal alcohol exposure are extensively documented as a consequence of maternal gestational alcohol consumption. However, similar consequences of paternal alcohol consumption remain understudied. This proposed pilot study will examine preconception paternal alcohol consumption within its capacity to induce heritable epigenetic modifications in sperm, such that offspring are susceptible to adverse in utero neurodevelopment and neonatal neurobehavioral outcomes. Specifically, it will examine DNA methylation patterns along the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exon IV promoter in paternal spermatozoa. BDNF exon IV is considered a key locus in neurogenesis regulation, synaptic plasticity, and cortical development. It is hypothesized that BDNF hypermethylation on the spermatozoa epigenome reduces BDNF transcription in respective offspring, such that they present poorer neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral outcomes.

Father-infant dyads are the subjects of interest. Fathers will be sorted into ethanol exposure groups, according to standardized alcohol consumption measures. Semen samples collected around the time of conception will undergo spermatozoa DNA extraction and sequencing; BDNF exon IV CpG sites are of particular interest. Neonate assessment will occur within 72 hours postpartum, and include a primitive reflex examination and five domains of the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) expected to reflect neonate neurological circuit integrity. A positive correlation between alcohol use and BDNF promoter methylation is anticipated, corresponding to non-optimal primitive reflexes and NNNS scores. This study aims to fill a critical gap in understanding paternal contributions to intergenerational health; results may inform reproductive health interventions and fertility counseling.

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