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Updated: May 12, 2026
13:11
Optimized Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression from Small, Anatomically-defined Areas of the Brain
Published on: July 12, 2012
Epigenetic dynamics in psychiatric disorders: environmental programming of neurodevelopmental processes
Daniel Kofink1, Marco P M Boks, H T Marc Timmers
1Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|April 10, 2013
Summary
Environmental factors significantly impact neurodevelopment and psychiatric disorder risk through epigenetic modifications. Understanding these epigenome changes offers potential for new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Epigenetic processes regulate gene translation, crucial for embryonic development and tissue specification.
- Epigenetic alterations are increasingly recognized for their role in neurodevelopment and psychiatric disorder risk.
- Environmental factors can induce persistent developmental changes via epigenetic mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings linking environmentally induced epigenome modifications to brain development and psychopathology.
- To highlight the potential of understanding these modifications for novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on epigenetics, neurodevelopment, and environmental influences.
- Synthesis of findings on how adverse early-life environments interact with epigenetic factors.
Main Results:
- Adverse early-life environmental influences (e.g., maternal care, alcohol, nutrition) interact with epigenetic factors.
- These interactions can lead to neurodevelopmental disturbances associated with psychiatric disorders.
- Environmentally induced epigenetic modifications affect brain development and neuronal function.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications play a critical role in the interplay between environment, brain development, and psychopathology.
- These modifications may be reversible, offering potential for novel treatment approaches.
- Integrative approaches are essential to elucidate causal pathways between environmental influences, epigenetic changes, and neuronal function.
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