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Programming of Stress-Sensitive Neurons and Circuits by Early-Life Experiences
Jessica L Bolton1, Annabel Katherine Short1, Kristina A Simeone1
1Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy/Neurobiology, Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
|March 6, 2019
Summary
Early life experiences shape brain development, influencing stress resilience. Research shows specific neurons in the brain are programmed by these experiences, impacting lifelong emotional and cognitive functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Early-life experiences profoundly impact long-term brain structure and function.
- This programming influences an individual's vulnerability or resilience to stress and related disorders.
- Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key brain cells and circuits targeted by early-life experiences.
- To elucidate how these experiences shape lifelong cognitive and emotional functions.
- To explore the role of specific neuronal populations in stress response.
Main Methods:
- Focused on corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN).
- Investigated the effects of adverse versus optimal early-life experiences on synaptic neurotransmission.
- Analyzed epigenetic reprogramming within CRH-expressing neurons.
Main Results:
- Early-life experiences directly target CRH-expressing neurons in the PVN.
- Adverse experiences increase excitatory neurotransmission onto these neurons.
- Optimal experiences reduce glutamatergic inputs, leading to epigenetic changes and altered stress outcomes.
Conclusions:
- CRH-expressing neurons in the PVN are crucial early targets for early-life programming.
- Altered synaptic function in these neurons initiates enduring epigenetic changes.
- These mechanisms offer potential targets for interventions to promote stress resilience.
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