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Related Concept Videos

Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
Histone Modification02:32

Histone Modification

The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology01:30

Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology

Biopsychology serves as a vital bridge connecting the intricate domains of biology and psychology, shedding light on how biological systems influence psychological phenomena. This field scrutinizes the biological substrates of behavior and mental processes, emphasizing the nervous system along with the roles of neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics. It also incorporates evolutionary perspectives to explain the adaptive nature of mental functions.
The nervous system, the cornerstone of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

A Chromatin Assay for Human Brain Tissue
11:31

A Chromatin Assay for Human Brain Tissue

Published on: March 21, 2008

Epigenetics in the human brain.

Isaac Houston1, Cyril J Peter, Amanda Mitchell

  • 1Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA.

Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology
|May 31, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epigenetic regulation of the human brain, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, is crucial for development and aging. Understanding these epigenetic changes offers new insights into psychiatric disorders like depression and schizophrenia.

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Last Updated: May 21, 2026

A Chromatin Assay for Human Brain Tissue
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10:58

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Optimized Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression from Small, Anatomically-defined Areas of the Brain
13:11

Optimized Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression from Small, Anatomically-defined Areas of the Brain

Published on: July 12, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Epigenetics
  • Genomics

Background:

  • The human brain undergoes significant epigenetic changes during development, maturation, and aging.
  • Little is known about the epigenetic regulation of neuronal and glial cells in the context of psychiatric disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on genome organization and epigenetic regulation in the human brain.
  • To highlight the role of epigenetic modifications in brain maturation, aging, and psychiatric diseases.
  • To propose advanced methods for studying the molecular pathology of psychiatric conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current knowledge on DNA cytosine methylation, hydroxymethylation, and histone modifications.
  • Proposal for high-resolution mapping of epigenetic marks in postmortem brain tissue and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cultures.
  • Integration of epigenetic profiling with transcriptome profiling and whole-genome sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are key regulators of gene expression and chromatin states in the brain.
  • These epigenetic changes are implicated in brain development, aging, and the pathophysiology of mood and psychosis spectrum disorders.

Conclusions:

  • High-resolution epigenetic mapping integrated with multi-omics data provides a powerful approach to define the molecular pathology of psychiatric diseases.
  • This integrative strategy offers an alternative to conventional group-based studies, enabling a more precise understanding of individual disease mechanisms.
  • Future research focusing on integrative epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses will advance our understanding of brain function and dysfunction in psychiatric disorders.