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Behavioral resilience in the post-genomic era: emerging models linking genes with environment
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Transdisciplinary Research Group, Butler Hospital and Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|March 31, 2012
Summary
Environmental factors significantly influence gene expression for behavioral health. Understanding gene-environment interactions is key to promoting resilience and positive change in children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Molecular genetics
- Genetic epidemiology
Background:
- The post-genomic era highlights the environment's role in shaping gene expression for behavioral dimensions and disorders.
- Nuanced appreciation of gene-environment interplay is crucial for understanding behavioral health.
- Evolving perspectives on resilience and plasticity offer new insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine three key themes emerging from molecular genetic and genetic epidemiological research.
- To explore the impact of shared environmental effects on childhood and adolescent behaviors.
- To discuss gene-environment interaction, differential susceptibility, and plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing newer molecular genetic approaches.
- Employing established genetic epidemiological methodologies.
- Synthesizing findings from cutting-edge research studies.
Main Results:
- Evidence for replicable and robust shared environmental effects on clinically relevant behaviors.
- Advancements in understanding gene-environment interaction.
- Emerging focus on differential susceptibility and plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Genetic effects on behavior must be considered alongside the environment's role.
- The environment is a potent source for promoting resilience and behavioral change.
- Integrating genetic and environmental perspectives is essential for behavioral health research.
Keywords:
behavioral resiliencedifferential susceptibilitygene-environment interactiongenesshared environmentMore Related Videos
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