An epigenetic mechanism to explain the effect of early childhood abuse and neglect
Increased susceptibility to psychiatric illnesses in adults with a history of childhood abuse and neglect may reflect a lasting impact of early maltreatment on epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression.
A recent study has explored the dynamic role of DNA methylation (an epigenetic mechanism) in gene regulation and its potential to mediate gene expression in the pre frontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. The PFC and hippocampus both play a central role in cognitive defects and aberrant emotional behaviours originating from early-life adversity.
The lasting effect of this epigenetic mechanism on brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) on the central nervous system was demonstrated using a rat model. During the first postnatal week, rat neonates were exposed to either a stressed-abusive mother (maltreatment) or positive care giving mother (cross-fostered care) 30 minutes daily. DNA methylation patterns were assessed as well as gene expression throughout their life-span using methylation specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (MSP) and other techniques. Furthermore, DNA methylation patterns were assessed in the next generation of infants using the same methods.
The findings of this study come with both expected and unexpected results. Firstly, the study demonstrates that not only do rodents that have experienced abuse grow up and mistreat their own offspring but that their offspring also have significant DNA methylation. There is maintenance of BDNF DNA methylation both within the individual across its lifespan and in passing that altered methylation from one generation to the next.
The study brought up a strikingly unexpected result. It showed the inability of cross-fostering to rescue DNA methylation in rats born to abused rodents which would otherwise, normally occur as a reversible mechanism of DNA methylation.
The challenge of this finding will lie in replication of these results in human experiments which could have spectacular outcomes for treatments of mental illnesses.
Ranjitha Naidu
s4197437
A recent study has explored the dynamic role of DNA methylation (an epigenetic mechanism) in gene regulation and its potential to mediate gene expression in the pre frontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. The PFC and hippocampus both play a central role in cognitive defects and aberrant emotional behaviours originating from early-life adversity.
The lasting effect of this epigenetic mechanism on brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) on the central nervous system was demonstrated using a rat model. During the first postnatal week, rat neonates were exposed to either a stressed-abusive mother (maltreatment) or positive care giving mother (cross-fostered care) 30 minutes daily. DNA methylation patterns were assessed as well as gene expression throughout their life-span using methylation specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (MSP) and other techniques. Furthermore, DNA methylation patterns were assessed in the next generation of infants using the same methods.
The findings of this study come with both expected and unexpected results. Firstly, the study demonstrates that not only do rodents that have experienced abuse grow up and mistreat their own offspring but that their offspring also have significant DNA methylation. There is maintenance of BDNF DNA methylation both within the individual across its lifespan and in passing that altered methylation from one generation to the next.
The study brought up a strikingly unexpected result. It showed the inability of cross-fostering to rescue DNA methylation in rats born to abused rodents which would otherwise, normally occur as a reversible mechanism of DNA methylation.
The challenge of this finding will lie in replication of these results in human experiments which could have spectacular outcomes for treatments of mental illnesses.
Ranjitha Naidu
s4197437
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home