Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Optimized Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression from Small, Anatomically-defined Areas of the Brain
Published on: July 12, 2012
[Epigenetic: a link between environment and genome]
Benoit Labonté1, Gustavo Turecki
1Groupe McGill d'étude sur le suicide; Institut universitaire en santé mentale Douglas, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Abstract:
Adversity during childhood has for long been known to increase the risk of developing mental health problems in adulthood. Yet, it is only recently that epigenetic mechanisms have been identified as representing an interface on which the environment acts upon to induce behavioral changes. These changes affecting the expression of certain genes, without however modifying DNA sequences, particularly interfere with the functioning of systems regulating response to stress. In the long term, adversity during childhood, by inducing these epigenetic changes, predisposes some individuals in developing mental health problems in adulthood. This article examines the epigenetic impact of adversity during childhood and its behavioral consequences on mental health.
Related Concept Videos
Gene-Environment Interactions
Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

