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Related Experiment Videos

Epigenetic programming by maternal behavior.

Ian C G Weaver1, Nadia Cervoni, Frances A Champagne

  • 1Douglas Hospital Research Center, 6875 LaSalle Blvd., Montréal, Québec H4H 1R3, Canada.

Nature Neuroscience
|June 29, 2004
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Maternal care behaviors like licking and grooming in rats epigenetically alter offspring stress responses by changing DNA methylation and histone acetylation at the glucocorticoid receptor gene. These changes are reversible, demonstrating behavioral programming of the epigenome.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Epigenetics
  • Behavioral Biology

Background:

  • Maternal care influences offspring stress responses.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, are implicated in mediating these effects.
  • The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene plays a crucial role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how maternal licking and grooming (LG) and arched-back nursing (ABN) affect the offspring epigenome.
  • To determine the role of epigenetic modifications at the GR gene promoter in mediating maternal effects on stress responses.
  • To explore the reversibility of these epigenomic changes and their impact on HPA axis function.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed DNA methylation and histone acetylation at the GR gene promoter in offspring hippocampus.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Utilized cross-fostering paradigms to examine the role of early life environment.
  • Administered histone deacetylase inhibitors to investigate causal relationships.
  • Measured HPA axis responses to stress in adult offspring.

    • Main Results:

    • High levels of maternal LG and ABN were associated with altered DNA methylation and histone acetylation at the GR gene promoter in offspring.
    • These epigenetic differences emerged within the first week of life, were reversible with cross-fostering, and persisted into adulthood.
    • Histone deacetylase inhibition reversed epigenetic modifications, GR expression changes, and HPA axis hyperactivity.

    Conclusions:

    • Maternal care behavior can epigenetically program offspring stress responses through modifications at the GR gene.
    • Epigenomic changes at the GR gene promoter are causally linked to altered HPA axis function.
    • The established epigenomic state is potentially reversible, offering insights into therapeutic interventions.