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Vos S, Van den Bergh BRH, Martens DS, Bijnens E, Shkedy Z, Kindermans H, Platzer M, Schwab M, Nawrot TS. Maternal perceived stress and green spaces during pregnancy are associated with adult offspring gene (NR3C1 and IGF2/H19) methylation patterns in adulthood: A pilot study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 167:107088. [PMID: 38924829 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in NR3C1 and IGF2/H19 methylation patterns have been associated with behavioural and psychiatric outcomes. Maternal mental state has been associated with offspring NR3C1 promotor and IGF2/H19 imprinting control region (ICR) methylation patterns. However, there is a lack of prospective studies with long-term follow-up. METHODS 52 mother-offspring pairs were studied from 12 to 22 weeks of pregnancy and offspring was followed-up until 28-29 years-of-age. During pregnancy, mothers filled in a Life Event Scale and a Daily Hassles Scale measuring perceived stress; i.e., appraisal or subjectively experienced severity of impact of important life events and of daily hassles in several life domains during pregnancy, respectively. Green space was quantified around the residence, using high-resolution (1 m2) map data. Saliva and blood samples were obtained from the adult offspring. Absolute DNA methylation levels were determined in blood and saliva on four NR3C1 amplicons, and one IGF2/H19 ICR amplicon using a bisulfite PCR and sequencing method. Linear mixed effect models were used to test the associations between perceived stress and green spaces during pregnancy, and adult offspring methylation patterns. RESULTS We found associations between maternal perceived stress during pregnancy and methylation patterns on two out of the four NR3C1 amplicons, measured in blood, from offspring in adulthood, but not with IGF2/H19 methylation. For an interquartile-range (IQR) increase in maternal perceived life event or daily hassles stress scores, absolute methylation levels on several NR3C1 CpG sites were significantly changed (-1.62 % to +5.89 %, p<0.05). Maternal perceived stress scores were not associated with IGF2/H19 methylation, neither in blood nor in saliva. Maternal exposure to green spaces surrounding the residence during the pregnancy was associated with IGF2/H19 ICR methylation (-0.80 % to -1.04 %, p<0.05) in saliva, but not with NR3C1 promotor methylation. CONCLUSION We observed significant long-term effects of maternal perceived stress during pregnancy on the methylation patterns of the NR3C1 promotor in offspring well into adulthood. This may imply that maternal psychological distress during pregnancy may influence the regulation of the HPA-axis well into adulthood. Additionally, maternal proximity to green spaces was associated with IGF2/H19 ICR methylation patterns, which is a novel finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Vos
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bea R H Van den Bergh
- Health Psychology Research Group and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Esmée Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Environmental Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Ziv Shkedy
- Data Science Institute, Centre for Statistics, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Hanne Kindermans
- Research Group Healthcare & ethics, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Matthias Platzer
- Genome Analysis Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Vieira TDS, Freitas FV, Silva Neto LCB, Borçoi AR, Mendes SO, Olinda AS, Moreno IAA, Quaioto BR, de Souza MLM, Barbosa WM, Arpini JK, Sorroche BP, de Assis Pinheiro J, Archanjo AB, dos Santos JG, Arantes LMRB, de Oliveira DR, da Silva AMA. An industrialized diet as a determinant of methylation in the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene promoter. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1168715. [PMID: 38633601 PMCID: PMC11021719 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1168715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dietary composition can modify gene expression, favoring the development of chronic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms. Objective Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NR3C1 gene methylation in users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS). Methods We recruited 250 adult volunteers and evaluated their socioeconomic status, psychosocial characteristics, lifestyle, and anthropometrics. Peripheral blood was collected and evaluated for cortisol levels, glycemia, lipid profile, and insulin resistance; methylation of CpGs 40-47 of the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene was also measured. Factors associated with degree of methylation were evaluated using generalized linear models (p < 0.05). Lifestyle variables and health variables were included as confounding factors. Results The findings of our cross-sectional study indicated an association between NR3C1 DNA methylation and intake of processed foods. We also observed relevant associations of average NR3C1 DNA across the segment analyzed, methylation in component 1 (40-43), and methylation in component 2 (44-47) with a pattern of consumption of industrialized products in relation to BMI, serum cortisol levels, and lipid profile. These results may indicate a relationship between methylation and metabolic changes related to the stress response. Conclusion These findings suggest an association of methylation and metabolic alterations with stress response. In addition, the present study highlights the significant role of diet quality as a stress-inducing factor that influences NR3C1 methylation. This relationship is further linked to changes in psychosocial factors, lifestyle choices, and cardiometabolic variables, including glucose levels, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires dos Santos Vieira
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | | | - Aline Ribeiro Borçoi
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Sgrancio Olinda
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Ivana Alece Arantes Moreno
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Risse Quaioto
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | - Wagner Miranda Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Julia de Assis Pinheiro
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Anderson Barros Archanjo
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Adriana Madeira Alvares da Silva
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
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Theodoridou D, Tsiantis CO, Vlaikou AM, Chondrou V, Zakopoulou V, Christodoulides P, Oikonomou ED, Tzimourta KD, Kostoulas C, Tzallas AT, Tsamis KI, Peschos D, Sgourou A, Filiou MD, Syrrou M. Developmental Dyslexia: Insights from EEG-Based Findings and Molecular Signatures-A Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2024; 14:139. [PMID: 38391714 PMCID: PMC10887023 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a learning disorder. Although risk genes have been identified, environmental factors, and particularly stress arising from constant difficulties, have been associated with the occurrence of DD by affecting brain plasticity and function, especially during critical neurodevelopmental stages. In this work, electroencephalogram (EEG) findings were coupled with the genetic and epigenetic molecular signatures of individuals with DD and matched controls. Specifically, we investigated the genetic and epigenetic correlates of key stress-associated genes (NR3C1, NR3C2, FKBP5, GILZ, SLC6A4) with psychological characteristics (depression, anxiety, and stress) often included in DD diagnostic criteria, as well as with brain EEG findings. We paired the observed brain rhythms with the expression levels of stress-related genes, investigated the epigenetic profile of the stress regulator glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and correlated such indices with demographic findings. This study presents a new interdisciplinary approach and findings that support the idea that stress, attributed to the demands of the school environment, may act as a contributing factor in the occurrence of the DD phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Theodoridou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christos-Orestis Tsiantis
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki-Maria Vlaikou
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Chondrou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece
| | - Victoria Zakopoulou
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Pavlos Christodoulides
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Emmanouil D Oikonomou
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, School of Informatics & Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece
| | - Katerina D Tzimourta
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Charilaos Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros T Tzallas
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, School of Informatics & Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Tsamis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Argyro Sgourou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece
| | - Michaela D Filiou
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Carmi L, Zohar J, Juven-Wetzler A, Desarnaud F, Makotkine L, Bierer LM, Cohen H, Yehuda R. Promoter methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor following trauma may be associated with subsequent development of PTSD. World J Biol Psychiatry 2023; 24:578-586. [PMID: 36748398 PMCID: PMC10440098 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2023.2177342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The ability to identify persons at elevated risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) soon after exposure to trauma, could aid clinical decision-making and treatment. In this study, we explored whether cytosine methylation of the 1 F promoter of the NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor [GR]) gene obtained immediately following a trauma could predict PTSD. METHODS Our sample comprised 52 trauma survivors (28 women, 24 men), presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) within six hours of a traumatic event and followed for 13 months. Blood samples were taken at intake (n = 42) and again at the end of the study (13 months later, n = 27) to determine NR3C1-1F promoter methylation as well as plasma levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic-hormone (ACTH), and neuropeptide-Y (NPY). RESULTS At the 13-month follow-up, participants who met the PTSD criteria (n = 4) showed significantly lower NR3C1-1F promoter sum percent methylation compared to the non-PTSD group (n = 38). Further, NR3C1-1F methylation at ED intake was inversely correlated with PTSD severity 13 months later, indicating that lower NR3C1-1F promoter methylation in the immediate aftermath of trauma was associated with the development of PTSD. CONCLUSION To the extent that reduced promoter methylation is associated with greater GR expression and responsivity, this finding is consistent with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysregulation previously described for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Carmi
- Post Trauma Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Data Science Institution, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Post Trauma Center, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Frank Desarnaud
- Traumatic Stress Studies Division, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, Mental Health Care Center, PTSD Clinical Research Program & Laboratory of Clinical Neuroendocrinology and Neurochemistry, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Louri Makotkine
- Traumatic Stress Studies Division, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, Mental Health Care Center, PTSD Clinical Research Program & Laboratory of Clinical Neuroendocrinology and Neurochemistry, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Linda M Bierer
- Traumatic Stress Studies Division, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, Mental Health Care Center, PTSD Clinical Research Program & Laboratory of Clinical Neuroendocrinology and Neurochemistry, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Hagit Cohen
- Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Traumatic Stress Studies Division, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, Mental Health Care Center, PTSD Clinical Research Program & Laboratory of Clinical Neuroendocrinology and Neurochemistry, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York
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Deploey N, Van Moortel L, Rogatsky I, Peelman F, De Bosscher K. The Biologist's Guide to the Glucocorticoid Receptor's Structure. Cells 2023; 12:1636. [PMID: 37371105 PMCID: PMC10297449 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and functions as a glucocorticoid (GC)-responsive transcription factor. GR can halt inflammation and kill off cancer cells, thus explaining the widespread use of glucocorticoids in the clinic. However, side effects and therapy resistance limit GR's therapeutic potential, emphasizing the importance of resolving all of GR's context-specific action mechanisms. Fortunately, the understanding of GR structure, conformation, and stoichiometry in the different GR-controlled biological pathways is now gradually increasing. This information will be crucial to close knowledge gaps on GR function. In this review, we focus on the various domains and mechanisms of action of GR, all from a structural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Deploey
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Moortel
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inez Rogatsky
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, The David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Center, New York, NY 10021, USA;
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Frank Peelman
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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Theron V, Harvey BH, Botha T, Weinshenker D, Wolmarans DW. Life-threatening, high-intensity trauma- and context-dependent anxiety in zebrafish and its modulation by epinephrine. Horm Behav 2023; 153:105376. [PMID: 37244195 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Trauma-related psychopathology transpires in some individuals after exposure to a life-threatening event. While aberrant adrenergic processes may contribute to this, a clear understanding of how said processes influence trauma-related conditions, remain inadequate. Here, we aimed to develop and describe a novel zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of life-threatening trauma-induced anxiety that may be representative of trauma related anxiety, and to evaluate the impact of stress-paired epinephrine (EPI) exposure in the model system. Four groups of zebrafish were each exposed to different and unique stress-related paradigms, i.e., i) a sham (trauma free), ii) high-intensity trauma (triple hit; THIT), iii) high-intensity trauma in the presence of EPI exposure (EHIT), and iv) EPI exposure on its own, all applied in the presence of a color context. Novel tank anxiety was subsequently assessed at 1, 4, 7 and 14 days after the traumatic event. The present results demonstrate that 1) through day 14, THIT or EPI exposure alone induced persistent anxiety-like behavior, 2) EHIT blunted the delayed anxiety-like sequalae associated with severe trauma, 3) exposure to a trauma-paired color context prior to anxiety testing bolstered the subsequent anxiety-like behavior of THIT, but not EHIT -exposed fish, and 4) despite this, THIT- and EPI-exposed fish showed a lesser degree of contextual avoidance behavior compared to sham- or EHIT-exposed fish. These results indicate that the stressors induced long-lasting anxiety-like behavior reminiscent of post trauma anxiety, while EPI displays complex interactions with the stressor, including a buffering effect to subsequent exposure of a trauma-paired cue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasti Theron
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa
| | - Tarryn Botha
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - De Wet Wolmarans
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
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Chubar V, Vaessen T, Noortgate WVD, Lutin E, Bosmans G, Bekaert B, Van Leeuwen K, Calders F, Weyn S, Bijttebier P, Goossens L, Claes S. Mild daily stress, in interaction with NR3C1 DNA methylation levels, is linked to alterations in the HPA axis and ANS response to acute stress in early adolescents. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 150:106045. [PMID: 36796155 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily Hassles (DH) or daily stress - is a mild type of stressor with unique contributions to psychological distress. Yet, most prior studies that investigate the effects of stressful life experiences focus on childhood trauma or on early life stress and little is known about the effects of DH on epigenetic changes in stress system related genes and on the physiological response to social stressors. METHODS In the present study, conducted among 101 early adolescents (mean age = 11.61; SD = 0.64), we investigated whether Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) (namely heart rate and heart rate variability) and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis functioning (measured as cortisol stress reactivity and recovery) are associated with DNA methylation (DNAm) in the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1), the level of DH and their interaction. To assess the stress system functioning the TSST protocol was used. RESULTS Our findings show that higher NR3C1 DNAm in interaction with higher levels of daily hassles, is associated with blunted HPA axis reactivity to psychosocial stress. In addition, higher levels of DH are associated with extended HPA axis stress recovery. In addition, participants with higher NR3C1 DNAm had lower ANS adaptability to stress, specifically lower parasympathetic withdrawal; for heart rate variability this effect was strongest for participants with higher level of DH. CONCLUSIONS The observation that interaction effects between NR3C1 DNAm levels and daily stress on the functioning of the stress-systems, are already detectable in young adolescents, highlights the importance of early interventions, not only in the case of trauma, but also daily stress. This might help to prevent stress-induced mental and physical disorders later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Chubar
- Mind-Body Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Vaessen
- Mind-Body Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Contextual Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Van den Noortgate
- Methodology of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences & itec, an imec research group at KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erika Lutin
- ESAT Electrical Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; imec-Belgium, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Department of Clinical Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Bekaert
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karla Van Leeuwen
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Calders
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Weyn
- School Psychology and Development in Context, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patricia Bijttebier
- School Psychology and Development in Context, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Goossens
- School Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephan Claes
- Mind-Body Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; University Psychiatric Center KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Mendonça MS, Mangiavacchi PM, Mendes AV, Loureiro SR, Martín-Santos R, Glória LS, Marques W, De Marco SPG, Kanashiro MM, Hallak JEC, Crippa JAS, Rios ÁFL. DNA methylation in regulatory elements of the FKBP5 and NR3C1 gene in mother-child binomials with depression. J Affect Disord 2023; 331:287-299. [PMID: 36933666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The FKBP5 and NR3C1 genes play an important role in stress response, thus impacting mental health. Stress factor exposure in early life, such as maternal depression, may contribute to epigenetic modifications in stress response genes, increasing the susceptibility to different psychopathologies. The present study aimed to evaluate the DNA methylation profile in maternal-infant depression in regulatory regions of the FKBP5 gene and the alternative promoter of the NR3C1 gene. METHODS We evaluated 60 mother-infant pairs. The levels of DNA methylation were analyzed by the MSRED-qPCR technique. RESULTS We observed an increased DNA methylation profile in the NR3C1 gene promoter in children with depression and children exposed to maternal depression (p < 0.05). In addition, we observed a correlation of DNA methylation between mothers and offspring exposed to maternal depression. This correlation shows a possible intergenerational effect of maternal MDD exposure on the offspring. For FKBP5, we found a decrease in DNA methylation at intron 7 in children exposed to maternal MDD during pregnancy and a correlation of DNA methylation between mothers and children exposed to maternal MDD (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS Although the individuals of this study are a rare group, the sample size of the study was small, and we evaluated the DNA methylation of only one CpG site for each region. CONCLUSION These results indicate changes in DNA methylation levels in regulatory regions of FKBP5 and NR3C1 in the mother-child MDD context and represent a potential target of studies to understand the depression etiology and how it occurs between generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S Mendonça
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Paula M Mangiavacchi
- Laboratory of Reproduction and Animal Breeding, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Ana V Mendes
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Sonia R Loureiro
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Rocio Martín-Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clínic, Institut d' Investigacions Biomedicas August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Neurociencias, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Leonardo S Glória
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Wilson Marques
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Silmara P G De Marco
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Milton M Kanashiro
- Laboratory of Recognition Biology, North Fluminense State University (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José A S Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Álvaro F L Rios
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil.
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9
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Methylation and expression of glucocorticoid receptor exon-1 variants and FKBP5 in teenage suicide-completers. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:53. [PMID: 36781843 PMCID: PMC9925759 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02345-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has repeatedly been demonstrated to play a fundamental role in psychiatric disorders and suicide, yet the mechanisms underlying this dysregulation are not clear. Decreased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene, which is also susceptible to epigenetic modulation, is a strong indicator of impaired HPA axis control. In the context of teenage suicide-completers, we have systematically analyzed the 5'UTR of the GR gene to determine the expression levels of all GR exon-1 transcript variants and their epigenetic state. We also measured the expression and the epigenetic state of the FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP5/FKBP51), an important modulator of GR activity. Furthermore, steady-state DNA methylation levels depend upon the interplay between enzymes that promote DNA methylation and demethylation activities, thus we analyzed DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), ten-eleven translocation enzymes (TETs), and growth arrest- and DNA-damage-inducible proteins (GADD45). Focusing on both the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, our results show decreased expression in specific GR exon-1 variants and a strong correlation of DNA methylation changes with gene expression in the PFC. FKBP5 expression is also increased in both areas suggesting a decreased GR sensitivity to cortisol binding. We also identified aberrant expression of DNA methylating and demethylating enzymes in both brain regions. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex transcriptional regulation of GR, providing evidence of epigenetically mediated reprogramming of the GR gene, which could lead to possible epigenetic influences that result in lasting modifications underlying an individual's overall HPA axis response and resilience to stress.
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10
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Parveen S, Zeshan M, Naveed S, Levey E, Jahan N, Harrison AM. Newborn behavioral observations system in rural Pakistan: A feasibility and acceptability study. Infant Ment Health J 2023; 44:125-132. [PMID: 36519510 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO) system is a relationship-based tool that helps parents recognize their infant's competencies and learn their behavioral cues, with the goals of enhancing parental responsiveness and satisfaction in the infant-parent relationship. In our study, a pediatrician integrated the NBO into 44 pediatric health care visits of infants in rural Pakistan villages, under the remote guidance of two U.S.-based child psychiatrists. A clinician then gave the mothers a survey about their experience of the NBO and found that the mothers were highly satisfied, reporting greater appreciation of their infant's strengths, greater understanding of their infant's behavioral cues, stronger attachment to their infant, and greater self-confidence as a mother. In their consideration of these results, the authors explore cultural reasons for the mothers' responses and generate hypotheses to inform an outcome study of a similar intervention. This was a feasibility and acceptability study and was not randomized, had no control group, and did not use objective measures of outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Parveen
- Department of Pediatrics, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zeshan
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sadiq Naveed
- Eastern Connecticut Health Network, Manchester, Connecticut, USA.,Frank H Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, USA
| | - Elizabeth Levey
- Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, MGH, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nusrat Jahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexandra Murray Harrison
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School at Cambridge Health Alliance, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Chalfun G, Araújo Brasil AD, Paravidino VB, Soares-Lima SC, Souza Almeida Lopes MD, Santos Salú MD, Barbosa E Dos Santos PV, P da Cunha Trompiere AC, Vieira Milone LT, Rodrigues-Santos G, Genuíno de Oliveira MB, Robaina JR, Lima-Setta F, Reis MM, Ledo Alves da Cunha AJ, Prata-Barbosa A, de Magalhães-Barbosa MC. NR3C1 gene methylation and cortisol levels in preterm and healthy full-term infants in the first 3 months of life. Epigenomics 2022; 14:1545-1561. [PMID: 36861354 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To describe NR3C1 exon-1F methylation and cortisol levels in newborns. Materials & methods: Preterm ≤1500 g and full-term infants were included. Samples were collected at birth and at days 5, 30 and 90 (or at discharge). Results: 46 preterm and 49 full-term infants were included. Methylation was stable over time in full-term infants (p = 0.3116) but decreased in preterm infants (p = 0.0241). Preterm infants had higher cortisol levels on the fifth day, while full-term infants showed increasing levels (p = 0.0177) over time. Conclusion: Hypermethylated sites in NR3C1 at birth and higher cortisol levels on day 5 suggest that prematurity, reflecting prenatal stress, affects the epigenome. Methylation decrease over time in preterm infants suggests that postnatal factors may modify the epigenome, but their role needs to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Chalfun
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
- Department of Neonatology, Maternity School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, 22240-000, Brazil
| | - Aline de Araújo Brasil
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Vitor Barreto Paravidino
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Social Medicine, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), 20550-013, Brazil
- Department of Physical Education & Sports, Naval Academy, Brazilian Navy, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20021-010, Brazil
| | - Sheila Coelho Soares-Lima
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20230-130, Brazil
| | | | - Margarida Dos Santos Salú
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leo Travassos Vieira Milone
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Rodrigues-Santos
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
| | | | - Jaqueline Rodrigues Robaina
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Lima-Setta
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Martins Reis
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Antônio José Ledo Alves da Cunha
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Perinatal Health, Maternity School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, 22240-000, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo Prata-Barbosa
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Perinatal Health, Maternity School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, 22240-000, Brazil
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12
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Dall' Aglio L, Rijlaarsdam J, Mulder RH, Neumann A, Felix JF, Kok R, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, van Ijzendoorn MH, Tiemeier H, Cecil CAM. Epigenome-wide associations between observed maternal sensitivity and offspring DNA methylation: a population-based prospective study in children. Psychol Med 2022; 52:2481-2491. [PMID: 33267929 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720004353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental work in animals has shown that DNA methylation (DNAm), an epigenetic mechanism regulating gene expression, is influenced by typical variation in maternal care. While emerging research in humans supports a similar association, studies to date have been limited to candidate gene and cross-sectional approaches, with a focus on extreme deviations in the caregiving environment. METHODS Here, we explored the prospective association between typical variation in maternal sensitivity and offspring epigenome-wide DNAm, in a population-based cohort of children (N = 235). Maternal sensitivity was observed when children were 3- and 4-years-old. DNAm, quantified with the Infinium 450 K array, was extracted at age 6 (whole blood). The influence of methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTLs), DNAm at birth (cord blood), and confounders (socioeconomic status, maternal psychopathology) was considered in follow-up analyses. RESULTS Genome-wide significant associations between maternal sensitivity and offspring DNAm were observed at 13 regions (p < 1.06 × 10-07), but not at single sites. Follow-up analyses indicated that associations at these regions were in part related to genetic factors, confounders, and baseline DNAm levels at birth, as evidenced by the presence of mQTLs at five regions and estimate attenuations. Robust associations with maternal sensitivity were found at four regions, annotated to ZBTB22, TAPBP, ZBTB12, and DOCK4. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide novel leads into the relationship between typical variation in maternal caregiving and offspring DNAm in humans, highlighting robust regions of associations, previously implicated in psychological and developmental problems, immune functioning, and stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Dall' Aglio
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolien Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa H Mulder
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Neumann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Kok
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marinus H van Ijzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Primary Care Unit School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Charlotte A M Cecil
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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13
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Louwies T, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Chronic stress increases DNA methylation of the GR promoter in the central nucleus of the amygdala of female rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022; 34:e14377. [PMID: 35411658 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The central pathophysiological mechanisms underlying irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a female-predominant gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits, remain poorly understood. IBS patients often report that chronic stress exacerbates their symptoms. Brain imaging studies have revealed that the amygdala, a stress-responsive brain region, of IBS patients is overactive when compared to healthy controls. Previously, we demonstrated that downregulation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) underlies stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity in female rats. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate in the CeA of female rats whether chronic water avoidance stress (WAS) alters DNA methylation of the GR exon 17 promoter region, a region homologous to the human GR promoter. As histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are able to change DNA methylation, we also evaluated whether administration of the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) directly into the CeA prevented WAS-induced increases in DNA methylation of the GR exon 17 promoter. We found that WAS increased overall and specific CpG methylation of the GR promoter in the CeA of female rats, which persisted for up to 28 days. Administration of the TSA directly into the CeA prevented these stress-induced changes of DNA methylation at the GR promoter. Our results suggest that, in females, changes in DNA methylation are involved in the regulation of GR expression in the CeA. These changes in DNA methylation may contribute to the central mechanisms responsible for stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Louwies
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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14
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DNA Methylation Profiles of the DRD2 and NR3C1 Genes in Patients with Recent-Onset Psychosis. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:2172564. [PMID: 35968502 PMCID: PMC9365600 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2172564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Dopamine receptor D2 gene (DRD2) and glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) are implicated in the development of psychosis. We investigated methylation levels of DRD2 and NR3C1 in peripheral blood of patients with recent-onset (RO) psychosis using bisulfite pyrosequencing as well as its association with childhood trauma and rumination. Methods In all, 51 individuals with RO psychosis and 47 healthy controls were recruited. DNA methylation levels in the targeted regions of two genes were analyzed and compared. Childhood trauma and rumination were evaluated using the Early Trauma Inventory Self-Report Short Form (ETI-SF) and Brooding Scale (BS), respectively. Correlations between the scores of the ETI-SF and BS and methylation levels were explored. Results For DRD2, we found no significant differences between groups in terms of methylation level or association with childhood trauma or rumination. For NR3C1, we found a trend level significance for average value of all CpG sites and significant hypermethylation or hypomethylation at specific sites. There was also a significant positive correlation between the methylation level at the CpG8 site of NR3C1 exon 1F and negative symptom subscale score of the PANSS (PANSS-N). Conclusion Epigenetic alterations of NR3C1 are associated with the pathophysiology of psychosis. Further epigenetic studies will elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning the pathophysiology of psychosis.
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15
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Rea JNM, Broczek KM, Cevenini E, Celani L, Rea SAJ, Sikora E, Franceschi C, Fortunati V, Rea IM. Insights Into Sibling Relationships and Longevity From Genetics of Healthy Ageing Nonagenarians: The Importance of Optimisation, Resilience and Social Networks. Front Psychol 2022; 13:722286. [PMID: 35602748 PMCID: PMC9121911 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.722286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how to “Age Longer and Age Well” is a priority for people personally, for populations and for government policy. Approximately ten percent of nonagenarians reach 90 years and beyond in good condition and seem to have a combination of both age-span and health-span. However, the factors which contribute to human longevity remain challenging. Culture is a shared system of learning ideas, feelings, and survival strategies. It has a strong influence on each person’s psychological development, behavior, values and beliefs. Nonagenarians have rich life experiences that can teach us much about aging well; they are rich reservoirs of genetic, lifestyle and psychological information which can help understanding about how to live longer and better. Sibling or trio nonagenarians are important sources of family beliefs and behaviors upon which individual personalities may have been built. Their personal family histories and narratives are powerful tools that help to determine familial traits, beliefs and social behaviors which may help establish factors important in the siblings’ longevity. Using purposefully selected subjects, recruited to the Genetics of Healthy Ageing (GeHA) project in four European countries, this research used the simple life story and qualitative research methods to analyze contrasting and distinctive questions about the interface between the psychological and social worlds as presented in the nonagenarian siblings’ insights about their longevity. Their stories aimed to give better understanding about which psychological aspects of their common life journey and the degree of emotional support in their sibling relationships may have supported their paths to longevity. The most universal finding in each of the four European countries was that nonagenarians demonstrated high positivity, resilience and coping skills and were supported in social networks. Around this theme, nonagenarians reported “being happy,” “always cheerful,” “never melancholy” and having a contentment with a “rich life” and family relationships which fits with accumulating evidence that life satisfaction comes from a perceived self-efficacy and optimism. Most sibling relationships in this study, when analyzed according to the Gold classification, fit the “congenial” or “loyal” relationship type – demonstrating a healthy respect for the others’ opinion without overt dependence, which may help individual coping and survival mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Nicola M. Rea
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elisa Cevenini
- CIG-Interdepartmental Centre ‘L. Galvani’, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Celani
- CIG-Interdepartmental Centre ‘L. Galvani’, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Ewa Sikora
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- CIG-Interdepartmental Centre ‘L. Galvani’, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vita Fortunati
- CIG-Interdepartmental Centre ‘L. Galvani’, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Maeve Rea
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- School of Biomedical Science, Ulster University, Coleraine, United Kingdom
- Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Irene Maeve Rea,
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16
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Daskalakis NP, Meijer OC, Ronald de Kloet E. Mineralocorticoid receptor and glucocorticoid receptor work alone and together in cell-type-specific manner: Implications for resilience prediction and targeted therapy. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 18:100455. [PMID: 35601687 PMCID: PMC9118500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
‘You can't roll the clock back and reverse the effects of experiences' Bruce McEwen used to say when explaining how allostasis labels the adaptive process. Here we will for once roll the clock back to the times that the science of the glucocorticoid hormone was honored with a Nobel prize and highlight the discovery of their receptors in the hippocampus as inroad to its current status as master regulator in control of stress coping and adaptation. Glucocorticoids operate in concert with numerous neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and other hormones with the aim to facilitate processing of information in the neurocircuitry of stress, from anticipation and perception of a novel experience to behavioral adaptation and memory storage. This action, exerted by the glucocorticoids, is guided by two complementary receptor systems, mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR), that need to be balanced for a healthy stress response pattern. Here we discuss the cellular, neuroendocrine, and behavioral studies underlying the MR:GR balance concept, highlight the relevance of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) -axis patterns and note the limited understanding yet of sexual dimorphism in glucocorticoid actions. We conclude with the prospect that (i) genetically and epigenetically regulated receptor variants dictate cell-type-specific transcriptome signatures of stress-related neuropsychiatric symptoms and (ii) selective receptor modulators are becoming available for more targeted treatment. These two new developments may help to ‘restart the clock’ with the prospect to support resilience.
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17
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Mooren T, van Ee E, Hein I, Bala J. Combatting intergenerational effects of psychotrauma with multifamily therapy. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:867305. [PMID: 36819942 PMCID: PMC9929345 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.867305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that parental trauma is associated with psychosocial disorders, externalizing and internalizing problems, and higher sensitivity to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children. Recent research findings suggest multidimensional relational, psychological, and neurobiological interrelated pathways of intergenerational influence. Moreover, the intergenerational effects of parental trauma need to be understood within a broader systemic context, as a part of family adaptation. This article explores research findings and clinical practice to enhance our understanding of intergenerational processes and presents directions for therapeutic interventions. A trauma-focused multi-family therapy, aiming to restrict the relational consequences of parental trauma and strengthen family resilience, is described. The proposition is that to facilitate and improve the quality of parent-child interaction in response to psychotrauma, fostering emotion regulation capacities and mentalization is crucial. These efforts offered through family group interventions may benefit various families coping with adversity in culturally diverse societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy Mooren
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elisa van Ee
- Psychotraumacentrum Zuid-Nederland, Reinier van Arkel, 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.,Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Irma Hein
- Department of Child and Youth Psychiatry, Amsterdam Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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18
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Wadji DL, Tandon T, Ketcha Wanda GJM, Wicky C, Dentz A, Hasler G, Morina N, Martin-Soelch C. Child maltreatment and NR3C1 exon 1 F methylation, link with deregulated hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and psychopathology: A systematic review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 122:105304. [PMID: 34488052 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics offers one promising method for assessing the psychobiological response to stressful experiences during childhood. In particular, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation has been associated with an altered hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the onset of mental disorders. Equally, there are promising leads regarding the association between the methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1-1F) and child maltreatment and its link with HPA axis and psychopathology. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to assess the evidence of a link among child maltreatment, NR3C1-1F methylation, HPA axis deregulation, and symptoms of psychopathology. METHODS We followed the Prisma guidelines and identified 11 articles that met our inclusion criteria. RESULTS We found that eight studies (72.72%) reported increased NR3C1-1F methylation associated with child maltreatment, specifically physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to intimate partner violence, while three studies (27.27%) found no significant association. Furthermore, a minority of studies (36.36%) provided additional measures of symptoms of psychopathology or cortisol in order to examine the link among NR3C1-1F methylation, HPA axis deregulation, and psychopathology in a situation of child maltreatment. These results suggest that NR3C1-1F hypermethylation is positively associated with higher HPA axis activity, i.e. increased production of cortisol, as well as symptoms of psychopathology, including emotional lability-negativity, externalizing behavior symptoms, and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION NR3C1-1F methylation could be one mechanism that links altered HPA axis activity with the development of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Wadji
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - T Tandon
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - G J M Ketcha Wanda
- Clinical psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon
| | - C Wicky
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - A Dentz
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - G Hasler
- Department of Psychiatric, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - N Morina
- Department of Consultant-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Martin-Soelch
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
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19
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Shields AE, Zhang Y, Argentieri MA, Warner ET, Cozier YC, Liu C, Dye CK, Kent BV, Baccarelli AA, Palmer JR. Stress and spirituality in relation to HPA axis gene methylation among US Black women: results from the Black Women's Health Study and the Study on Stress, Spirituality and Health. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1711-1734. [PMID: 34726080 PMCID: PMC8579940 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Few epigenetics studies have been conducted within the Black community to examine the impact of diverse psychosocial stressors and resources for resiliency on the stress pathway (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis). Methods: Among 1000 participants from the Black Women's Health Study, associations between ten psychosocial stressors and DNA methylation (DNAm) of four stress-related genes (NR3C1, HSDB1, HSD11B2 and FKBP5) were tested. Whether religiosity or spirituality (R/S) significantly modified these stress-DNAm associations was also assessed. Results: Associations were found for several stressors with DNAm of individual CpG loci and average DNAm levels across each gene, but no associations remained significant after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Several R/S variables appeared to modify the relationship between two stressors and DNAm, but no identified interaction remained significant after FDR correction. Conclusion: There is limited evidence for a strong signal between stress and DNAm of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis genes in this general population cohort of US Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Shields
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yuankai Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - M Austin Argentieri
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- School of Anthropology & Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6PE, UK
| | - Erica T Warner
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Clinical Translational Epidemiology Unit, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yvette C Cozier
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Christian K Dye
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Blake Victor Kent
- Department of Sociology, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie R Palmer
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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20
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Epigenetic Modifications Associated with Maternal Anxiety during Pregnancy and Children's Behavioral Measures. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092421. [PMID: 34572069 PMCID: PMC8469633 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are associated with altered behavior and neuropsychiatric disorders and they modify the trajectory of aging. Maternal anxiety during pregnancy is a common environmental challenge for the fetus, causing changes in DNA methylation. Here, we determined the mediating role of DNA methylation and the moderating role of offspring sex on the association between maternal anxiety and children's behavioral measures. In 83 mother-child dyads, maternal anxiety was assessed in each trimester of pregnancy when the child was four years of age. Children's behavioral measures and children's buccal DNA methylation levels (NR3C1, IGF2/H19 ICR, and LINE1) were examined. Higher maternal anxiety during the third trimester was associated with more methylation levels of the NR3C1. Moderating effects of sex on the association between maternal anxiety and methylation were found for IGF2/H19 and LINE1 CpGs. Mediation analysis showed that methylation of NR3C1 could buffer the effects of maternal anxiety on children's behavioral measures, but this effect did not remain significant after controlling for covariates. In conclusion, our data support an association between maternal anxiety during pregnancy and DNA methylation. The results also underscore the importance of sex differences and timing effects. However, DNA methylation as underlying mechanism of the effect of maternal anxiety during pregnancy on offspring's behavioral measures was not supported.
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21
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Kassotaki I, Valsamakis G, Mastorakos G, Grammatopoulos DK. Placental CRH as a Signal of Pregnancy Adversity and Impact on Fetal Neurodevelopment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:714214. [PMID: 34408727 PMCID: PMC8366286 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.714214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life is a period of considerable plasticity and vulnerability and insults during that period can disrupt the homeostatic equilibrium of the developing organism, resulting in adverse developmental programming and enhanced susceptibility to disease. Fetal exposure to prenatal stress can impede optimum brain development and deranged mother's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) stress responses can alter the neurodevelopmental trajectories of the offspring. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoids, regulate fetal neurogenesis and while CRH exerts neuroprotective actions, increased levels of stress hormones have been associated with fetal brain structural alterations such as reduced cortical volume, impoverishment of neuronal density in the limbic brain areas and alterations in neuronal circuitry, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission and G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling. Emerging evidence highlight the role of epigenetic changes in fetal brain programming, as stress-induced methylation of genes encoding molecules that are implicated in HPA axis and major neurodevelopmental processes. These serve as molecular memories and have been associated with long term modifications of the offspring's stress regulatory system and increased susceptibility to psychosomatic disorders later in life. This review summarises our current understanding on the roles of CRH and other mediators of stress responses on fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifigeneia Kassotaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, 2nd Internal Medicine Clinic, Venizeleio Pananeio General Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgios Valsamakis
- Second University Department of Obs and Gynae, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Translational Medicine, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris K. Grammatopoulos
- Translational Medicine, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Institute of Precision Diagnostics and Translational Medicine, Pathology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
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22
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Dalvie S, Daskalakis NP. The Biological Effects of Trauma. Complex Psychiatry 2021; 7:16-18. [PMID: 35592091 PMCID: PMC8443929 DOI: 10.1159/000517236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shareefa Dalvie
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nikolaos P. Daskalakis
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, California, USA
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23
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Bainomugisa CK, Sutherland HG, Parker R, Mcrae AF, Haupt LM, Griffiths LR, Heath A, Nelson EC, Wright MJ, Hickie IB, Martin NG, Nyholt DR, Mehta D. Using Monozygotic Twins to Dissect Common Genes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Migraine. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:678350. [PMID: 34239411 PMCID: PMC8258453 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.678350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have been associated with genes involved in Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD often co-occurs with other health conditions such as depression, cardiovascular disorder and respiratory illnesses. PTSD and migraine have previously been reported to be symptomatically positively correlated with each other, but little is known about the genes involved. The aim of this study was to understand the comorbidity between PTSD and migraine using a monozygotic twin disease discordant study design in six pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for PTSD and 15 pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for migraine. DNA from peripheral blood was run on Illumina EPIC arrays and analyzed. Multiple testing correction was performed using the Bonferroni method and 10% false discovery rate (FDR). We validated 11 candidate genes previously associated with PTSD including DOCK2, DICER1, and ADCYAP1. In the epigenome-wide scan, seven novel CpGs were significantly associated with PTSD within/near IL37, WNT3, ADNP2, HTT, SLFN11, and NQO2, with all CpGs except the IL37 CpG hypermethylated in PTSD. These results were significantly enriched for genes whose DNA methylation was previously associated with migraine (p-value = 0.036). At 10% FDR, 132 CpGs in 99 genes associated with PTSD were also associated with migraine in the migraine twin samples. Genes associated with PTSD were overrepresented in vascular smooth muscle, axon guidance and oxytocin signaling pathways, while genes associated with both PTSD and migraine were enriched for AMPK signaling and longevity regulating pathways. In conclusion, these results suggest that common genes and pathways are likely involved in PTSD and migraine, explaining at least in part the co-morbidity between the two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte K Bainomugisa
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Heidi G Sutherland
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard Parker
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Allan F Mcrae
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Lyn R Griffiths
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Heath
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Elliot C Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Margaret J Wright
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian B Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas G Martin
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Dale R Nyholt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Divya Mehta
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
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24
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Mourtzi N, Sertedaki A, Charmandari E. Glucocorticoid Signaling and Epigenetic Alterations in Stress-Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5964. [PMID: 34073101 PMCID: PMC8198182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is defined as a state of threatened or perceived as threatened homeostasis. The well-tuned coordination of the stress response system is necessary for an organism to respond to external or internal stressors and re-establish homeostasis. Glucocorticoid hormones are the main effectors of stress response and aberrant glucocorticoid signaling has been associated with an increased risk for psychiatric and mood disorders, including schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Emerging evidence suggests that life-stress experiences can alter the epigenetic landscape and impact the function of genes involved in the regulation of stress response. More importantly, epigenetic changes induced by stressors persist over time, leading to increased susceptibility for a number of stress-related disorders. In this review, we discuss the role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of stress response, the mechanism through which stressful experiences can become biologically embedded through epigenetic alterations, and we underline potential associations between epigenetic changes and the development of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Mourtzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Amalia Sertedaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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25
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Lewis CR, Breitenstein RS, Henderson A, Sowards HA, Piras IS, Huentelman MJ, Doane LD, Lemery-Chalfant K. Harsh Parenting Predicts Novel HPA Receptor Gene Methylation and NR3C1 Methylation Predicts Cortisol Daily Slope in Middle Childhood. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:783-793. [PMID: 32472381 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00885-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Adverse experiences in childhood are associated with altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and negative health outcomes throughout life. It is now commonly accepted that abuse and neglect can alter epigenetic regulation of HPA genes. Accumulated evidence suggests harsh parenting practices such as spanking are also strong predictors of negative health outcomes. We predicted harsh parenting at 2.5 years old would predict HPA gene DNA methylation similarly to abuse and neglect, and cortisol output at 8.5 years old. Saliva samples were collected three times a day across 3 days to estimate cortisol diurnal slopes. Methylation was quantified using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array BeadChip (850 K) with DNA collected from buccal cells. We used principal components analysis to compute a summary statistic for CpG sites across candidate genes. The first and second components were used as outcome variables in mixed linear regression analyses with harsh parenting as a predictor variable. We found harsh parenting significantly predicted methylation of several HPA axis genes, including novel gene associations with AVPRB1, CRHR1, CRHR2, and MC2R (FDR corrected p < 0.05). Further, we found NR3C1 methylation predicted a steeper diurnal cortisol slope. Our results extend the current literature by demonstrating harsh parenting may influence DNA methylation similarly to more extreme early life experiences such as abuse and neglect. Further, we show NR3C1 methylation is associated with diurnal HPA function. Elucidating the molecular consequences of harsh parenting on health can inform best parenting practices and provide potential treatment targets for common complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace R Lewis
- Neurogenomics, Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
- Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Adrienne Henderson
- Neurogenomics, Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | | | - Ignazio S Piras
- Neurogenomics, Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Matthew J Huentelman
- Neurogenomics, Translational Genomics Research Institute, 445 N 5th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Leah D Doane
- Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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26
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de Assis Pinheiro J, Freitas FV, Borçoi AR, Mendes SO, Conti CL, Arpini JK, Dos Santos Vieira T, de Souza RA, Dos Santos DP, Barbosa WM, Archanjo AB, de Oliveira MM, Dos Santos JG, Sorroche BP, Casali-da-Rocha JC, Trivilin LO, Borloti EB, Louro ID, Arantes LMRB, Alvares-da-Silva AM. Alcohol consumption, depression, overweight and cortisol levels as determining factors for NR3C1 gene methylation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6768. [PMID: 33762648 PMCID: PMC7990967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86189-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The NR3C1 glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene is a component of the stress response system, which can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. NR3C1 methylation has been associated with trauma and mental issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and personality disorders. Previous studies have reported that stressful events are involved in NR3C1 gene methylation, suggesting that its regulation under environmental effects is complex. The present study aimed to analyze associations involving stressors such as socioeconomic status, health conditions, and lifestyle in relation to NR3C1 methylation in adults. This study included 386 individual users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS), and evaluated socioeconomic and health conditions, body mass index, cortisol levels, and lifestyle. Data were correlated with NR3C1 methylation, determined using DNA pyrosequencing. The results showed that alcohol consumption, overweight, and high cortisol levels were related to NR3C1 demethylation, while depression was related to its methylation. Habits, lifestyle, and health status may influence NR3C1 gene regulation via methylation, revealing the complexity of environmental impacts on NR3C1 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia de Assis Pinheiro
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Flávia Vitorino Freitas
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Alegre, ES, Brazil
| | - Aline Ribeiro Borçoi
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Suzanny Oliveira Mendes
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Catarine Lima Conti
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Juliana Krüger Arpini
- Graduate Program in Forest Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Alegre, ES, Brazil
| | - Tamires Dos Santos Vieira
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wagner Miranda Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Alegre, ES, Brazil
| | - Anderson Barros Archanjo
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Mayara Mota de Oliveira
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna Pereira Sorroche
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Hospital do Câncer de Barretos, Barretos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Elizeu Batista Borloti
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Iuri Drumond Louro
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Madeira Alvares-da-Silva
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil. .,Department of Morphology, Health Science Center, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil. .,Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Alto Universitário Sem Número, Alegre, ES, 29500000, Brazil.
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27
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Flasbeck V, Brüne M. Association between childhood maltreatment, psychopathology and DNA methylation of genes involved in stress regulation: Evidence from a study in Borderline Personality Disorder. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248514. [PMID: 33705478 PMCID: PMC7951851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research suggests that childhood maltreatment is associated with epigenetic modification of genes involved in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) functioning, which could cause dysregulation of the stress response system. If pervasive, this may be associated with the development of stress-related disorder in adults, including affective disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or borderline-personality disorder (BPD). The majority of studies have focused on DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and the FKBP5 encoding gene, which regulates the sensitivity of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). How methylation of NR3C1 and FKBP5 interferes with childhood adversity and psychopathology as well as empathy is an under-researched issue. Here, we sought to investigate the association of childhood maltreatment in a sample of 89 individuals (44 healthy participants and 45 patients diagnosed with BPD) with the methylation of the 1F promoter region of NR3C1 and the intron 7 of FKBP5 as well as with different measures of psychopathology and empathy. Methylation of FKBP5 (bin 2) correlated with anxiety (SCL-90-R) and the global psychopathological symptom load index (GSI), as well as with lower empathic perspective-taking abilities. Psychopathology and empathy impairments correlated with the level of childhood maltreatment. No difference in FKBP5 methylation was observed between the clinical and the non-clinical group. Methylation of NR3C1 was lower in BPD patients compared to controls, yet with small differences. The results are discussed regarding their biological relevance, including possible evolutionary explanations. In short, the regulation of the GR sensitivity by methylation of FKBP5 correlated with psychopathology and empathy scores, while no correlation emerged with the severity of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Flasbeck
- Division of Social Neuropsychiatry and Evolutionary Medicine, LWL University Hospital Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Brüne
- Division of Social Neuropsychiatry and Evolutionary Medicine, LWL University Hospital Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- * E-mail:
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28
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Daskalakis NP, Xu C, Bader HN, Chatzinakos C, Weber P, Makotkine I, Lehrner A, Bierer LM, Binder EB, Yehuda R. Intergenerational trauma is associated with expression alterations in glucocorticoid- and immune-related genes. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:763-773. [PMID: 33173192 PMCID: PMC8027026 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00900-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Offspring of trauma survivors are more likely to develop PTSD, mood, and anxiety disorders and demonstrate endocrine and molecular alterations compared to controls. This study reports the association between parental Holocaust exposure and genome-wide gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 77 Holocaust survivor offspring and 15 comparison subjects. Forty-two differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in association with parental Holocaust exposure (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05); most of these genes were downregulated and co-expressed in a gene network related to immune cell functions. When both parental Holocaust exposure and maternal age at Holocaust exposure shared DEGs, fold changes were in the opposite direction. Similarly, fold changes of shared DEGs associated with maternal PTSD and paternal PTSD were in opposite directions, while fold changes of shared DEGs associated with both maternal and paternal Holocaust exposure or associated with both maternal and paternal age at Holocaust exposure were in the same direction. Moreover, the DEGs associated with parental Holocaust exposure were enriched for glucocorticoid-regulated genes and immune pathways with some of these genes mediating the effects of parental Holocaust exposure on C-reactive protein. The top gene across all analyses was MMP8, encoding the matrix metalloproteinase 8, which is a regulator of innate immunity. To conclude, this study identified a set of glucocorticoid and immune-related genes in association with parental Holocaust exposure with differential effects based on parental exposure-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P. Daskalakis
- grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XDepartment of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA USA ,grid.66859.34Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Changxin Xu
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.274295.f0000 0004 0420 1184Mental Health Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Heather N. Bader
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.274295.f0000 0004 0420 1184Mental Health Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Chris Chatzinakos
- grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XDepartment of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA USA ,grid.66859.34Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, USA
| | - Peter Weber
- grid.419548.50000 0000 9497 5095Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Iouri Makotkine
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.274295.f0000 0004 0420 1184Mental Health Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Amy Lehrner
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.274295.f0000 0004 0420 1184Mental Health Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Linda M. Bierer
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.274295.f0000 0004 0420 1184Mental Health Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- grid.419548.50000 0000 9497 5095Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Mental Health Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor promoter in children: Links with parents as teachers, early life stress, and behavior problems. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 34:810-822. [DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420001984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The present study examined the effect of early life stress (ELS) on the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) methylation, the associations between NR3C1 methylation and behavior problems, and the effect of the program Parents as Teachers (PAT) on NR3C1 methylation. Participants included 132 children, 72 assigned to the PAT intervention group and 60 to the PAT control group. Children were aged 3 years, and were living in psychosocially at-risk families. We assessed NR3C1 methylation of the NGFI-A binding regions of exon 1F via sodium bisulfite sequencing from saliva DNA. Results indicated that (a) children living in families receiving PAT had decreased methylation at one single cytosine–guanine dinucleotides (CpG) site; (b) current maternal depressive symptoms and parental disagreement were predictive of increased methylation of mean NGFI-A and three single CpG sites; and (c) increased methylation of mean NGFI-A and one single CpG site was significantly associated with increased internalizing and externalizing symptoms. In addition, mean NGFI-A was a mediator of the association between parental disagreement and a child's affective problems. These results suggest that PAT may contribute to preventing NR3C1 methylation in preschool children living in psychosocially at-risk situations, and confirm previous findings on the associations between ELS, NR3C1 methylation, and behavior problems.
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Misiak B, Samochowiec J, Konopka A, Gawrońska-Szklarz B, Beszłej JA, Szmida E, Karpiński P. Clinical Correlates of the NR3C1 Gene Methylation at Various Stages of Psychosis. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 24:322-332. [PMID: 33284958 PMCID: PMC8059494 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of epigenetic processes might account for alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis observed in patients with schizophrenia. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) gene in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, individuals at familial high risk of schizophrenia (FHR-P), and healthy controls with respect to clinical manifestation and a history of psychosocial stressors. METHODS We recruited 40 first-episode psychosis patients, 45 acutely relapsed schizophrenia (SCZ-AR) patients, 39 FHR-P individuals, and 56 healthy controls. The level of methylation at 9 CpG sites of the NR3C1 gene was determined using pyrosequencing. RESULTS The level of NR3C1 methylation was significantly lower in first-episode psychosis patients and significantly higher in SCZ-AR patients compared with other subgroups of participants. Individuals with FHR-P and healthy controls had similar levels of NR3C1 methylation. A history of adverse childhood experiences was associated with significantly lower NR3C1 methylation in all subgroups of participants. Higher methylation of the NR3C1 gene was related to worse performance of attention and immediate memory as well as lower level of general functioning in patients with psychosis. CONCLUSIONS Patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders show altered levels of NR3C1 methylation that are significantly lower in first-episode psychosis patients and significantly higher in SCZ-AR patients. Higher methylation of the NR3C1 gene might be related to cognitive impairment observed in this clinical population. The association between a history of adverse childhood experiences and lower NR3C1 methylation is not specific to patients with psychosis. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal mechanisms underlying these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland,Correspondence: Błażej Misiak, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10 Street, 50–367 Wroclaw, Poland ()
| | - Jerzy Samochowiec
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Konopka
- Independent Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawrońska-Szklarz
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Elżbieta Szmida
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Karpiński
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland,Laboratory of Genomics & Bioinformatics, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Willmer T, Goedecke JH, Dias S, Louw J, Pheiffer C. DNA methylation of FKBP5 in South African women: associations with obesity and insulin resistance. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:141. [PMID: 32958048 PMCID: PMC7507280 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00932-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a neuroendocrine system associated with the stress response, has been hypothesized to contribute to obesity development. This may be mediated through epigenetic modulation of HPA axis-regulatory genes in response to metabolic stressors. The aim of this study was to investigate adipose tissue depot-specific DNA methylation differences in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and its co-chaperone, FK506-binding protein 51 kDa (FKBP5), both key modulators of the HPA axis. METHODS Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) and gluteal subcutaneous adipose tissue (GSAT) biopsies were obtained from a sample of 27 obese and 27 normal weight urban-dwelling South African women. DNA methylation and gene expression were measured by pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficients, orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis and multivariable linear regression were performed to evaluate the associations between DNA methylation, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and key indices of obesity and metabolic dysfunction. RESULTS Two CpG dinucleotides within intron 7 of FKBP5 were hypermethylated in both ASAT and GSAT in obese compared to normal weight women, while no differences in GR methylation were observed. Higher percentage methylation of the two FKBP5 CpG sites correlated with adiposity (body mass index and waist circumference), insulin resistance (homeostasis model for insulin resistance, fasting insulin and plasma adipokines) and systemic inflammation (c-reactive protein) in both adipose depots. GR and FKBP5 mRNA levels were lower in GSAT, but not ASAT, of obese compared to normal weight women. Moreover, FKBP5 mRNA levels were inversely correlated with DNA methylation and positively associated with adiposity, metabolic and inflammatory parameters. CONCLUSIONS These findings associate dysregulated FKBP5 methylation and mRNA expression with obesity and insulin resistance in South African women. Additional studies are required to assess the longitudinal association of FKBP5 with obesity and associated co-morbidities in large population-based samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarryn Willmer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa.
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa.
| | - Julia H Goedecke
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Boundary Road, Newlands, 7700, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Dias
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
| | - Johan Louw
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, Kwa-Dlangezwa, 3886, South Africa
| | - Carmen Pheiffer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
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Ridout KK, Coe JL, Parade SH, Marsit CJ, Kao HT, Porton B, Carpenter LL, Price LH, Tyrka AR. Molecular markers of neuroendocrine function and mitochondrial biogenesis associated with early life stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 116:104632. [PMID: 32199200 PMCID: PMC7887859 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) promoter methylation influences cellular expression of the glucocorticoid receptor and is a proposed mechanism by which early life stress impacts neuroendocrine function. Mitochondria are sensitive and responsive to neuroendocrine stress signaling through the glucocorticoid receptor, and recent evidence with this sample and others shows that mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is increased in adults with a history of early stress. No prior work has examined the role of NR3C1 methylation in the association between early life stress and mtDNAcn alterations. METHODS Adult participants (n = 290) completed diagnostic interviews and questionnaires characterizing early stress and lifetime psychiatric symptoms. Medical conditions, active substance abuse, and prescription medications other than oral contraceptives were exclusionary. Subjects with a history of lifetime bipolar, obsessive-compulsive, or psychotic disorders were excluded; individuals with other forms of major psychopathology were included. Whole blood mtDNAcn was measured using qPCR; NR3C1 methylation was measured via pyrosequencing. Multiple regression and bootstrapping procedures tested NR3C1 methylation as a mediator of effects of early stress on mtDNAcn. RESULTS The positive association between early adversity and mtDNAcn (p = .02) was mediated by negative associations of early adversity with NR3C1 methylation (p = .02) and NR3C1 methylation with mtDNAcn (p < .001). The indirect effect involving early adversity, NR3C1 methylation, and mtDNAcn was significant (95 % CI [.002, .030]). CONCLUSIONS NR3C1 methylation significantly mediates the association between early stress and mtDNAcn, suggesting that glucocorticoid receptor signaling may be a mechanistic pathway underlying mtDNAcn alterations of interest for future longitudinal work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn K Ridout
- Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, San Jose, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Jesse L Coe
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA; Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stephanie H Parade
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA; Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hung-Teh Kao
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Barbara Porton
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lawrence H Price
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Audrey R Tyrka
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Kang HJ, Stewart R, Kim JW, Kim SW, Shin IS, Kim MC, Hong YJ, Ahn Y, Shin MG, Jeong MH, Yoon JS, Kim JM. Synergistic effects of depression and NR3C1 methylation on prognosis of acute coronary syndrome. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5519. [PMID: 32218512 PMCID: PMC7099028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
High levels of methylation in the GR gene (nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1; NR3C1) have been associated with depression and cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate whether NR3C1 methylation status was associated with the long-term prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) considering depression and cardiovascular status at the early phase of ACS. A total of 969 patients with recent ACS were recruited at a tertiary university hospital in Korea. Baseline evaluations were made from 2007 to 2012, including DSM-IV depressive disorder, NR3C1 methylation, and various demographic and clinical characteristics such as cardiovascular risk markers. Over a 5~12 year follow-up after the index ACS, time to major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was investigated using Cox regression models. Higher NR3C1 methylation status was associated with depression and several cardiovascular risk markers at baseline. NR3C1 hypermethylation predicted worse long-term prognosis of ACS only in the presence of depressive disorder with significant synergistic interaction terms and independent of potential confounding factors. Synergistic effects of depressive disorder and NR3C1 hypermethylation on long-term cardiac outcomes in ACS were found. NR3C1 methylation status represents a candidate prognostic biomarker for ACS in combination with a diagnosis of depressive disorder. Further research is needed to ascertain the generalisability of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Ju Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Robert Stewart
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ju-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Il-Seon Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Min-Chul Kim
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Young Joon Hong
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Youngkeun Ahn
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Myung-Geun Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Myung Ho Jeong
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jin-Sang Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jae-Min Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
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Abstract
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders affecting public health. Studies over the past years suggest that the methylations of some specific genes such as BDNF, SLC6A4, and NR3C1 play an important role in the development of depression. Recently, epigenetic evidences suggest that the expression levels of DNA methyltransferases differ in several brain areas including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens in depression patients and animal models, but the potential link between the expression levels of DNA methylatransferases and the methylations of specific genes needs further investigation to clarify the pathogenesis of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghao Duan
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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35
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Differential transcriptional response following glucocorticoid activation in cultured blood immune cells: a novel approach to PTSD biomarker development. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:201. [PMID: 31434874 PMCID: PMC6704073 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0539-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition of stress reactivity, whose clinical manifestations are evident when patients are triggered following exposure to a traumatic event. While baseline differences in gene expression of glucocorticoid signaling and inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have been associated with PTSD, these alterations do not fully recapitulate the molecular response to physiological triggers, such as stress hormones. Therefore, it is critical to develop new techniques that will capture the dynamic transcriptional response associated with stress-activated conditions relative to baseline conditions. To achieve this goal, cultured PBMCs from combat-exposed veterans with PTSD(+) (n = 10) and without PTSD(-) (n = 10) were incubated with increasing concentrations (vehicle, 2.5 nM, 5 nM, 50 nM) of dexamethasone (DEX). Across diagnosis and dosage, several genes and gene networks were reliable markers of glucocorticoid stimulation (FDR < 5%), including enhanced expression of FKPB5, VIPR1, NR1I3, and apoptosis-related pathways, and reduced expression of NR3C1, STAT1, IRF1, and related inflammatory and cellular stress-responsive pathways. Dose-dependent differential transcriptional changes in several genes were also identified between PTSD+ and PTSD-. Robust changes in expression were observed at 2.5 nM DEX in PTSD- but not PTSD+ participants; whereas, with increasing concentrations (5 nM and 50 nM), several genes were identified to be uniquely up-regulated in PTSD+ but not PTSD- participants. Collectively, these preliminary findings suggest that genome-wide gene expression profiling of DEX-stimulated PBMCs is a promising method for the exploration of the dynamic differential molecular responses to stress hormones in PTSD, and may identify novel markers of altered glucocorticoid signaling and responsivity in PTSD.
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Morris G, Berk M, Maes M, Carvalho AF, Puri BK. Socioeconomic Deprivation, Adverse Childhood Experiences and Medical Disorders in Adulthood: Mechanisms and Associations. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:5866-5890. [PMID: 30685844 PMCID: PMC6614134 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1498-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Severe socioeconomic deprivation (SED) and adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are significantly associated with the development in adulthood of (i) enhanced inflammatory status and/or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction and (ii) neurological, neuroprogressive, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The mechanisms by which these associations take place are detailed. The two sets of consequences are themselves strongly associated, with the first set likely contributing to the second. Mechanisms enabling bidirectional communication between the immune system and the brain are described, including complex signalling pathways facilitated by factors at the level of immune cells. Also detailed are mechanisms underpinning the association between SED, ACE and the genesis of peripheral inflammation, including epigenetic changes to immune system-related gene expression. The duration and magnitude of inflammatory responses can be influenced by genetic factors, including single nucleotide polymorphisms, and by epigenetic factors, whereby pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species and nuclear factor-κB affect gene DNA methylation and histone acetylation and also induce several microRNAs including miR-155, miR-181b-1 and miR-146a. Adult HPA axis activity is regulated by (i) genetic factors, such as glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms; (ii) epigenetic factors affecting glucocorticoid receptor function or expression, including the methylation status of alternative promoter regions of NR3C1 and the methylation of FKBP5 and HSD11β2; (iii) chronic inflammation and chronic nitrosative and oxidative stress. Finally, it is shown how severe psychological stress adversely affects mitochondrial structure and functioning and is associated with changes in brain mitochondrial DNA copy number and transcription; mitochondria can act as couriers of childhood stress into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, P.O. Box 291, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, P.O. Box 291, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Level 1 North, Main Block, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, P.O. Box 291, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - André F Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Basant K Puri
- Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Kuehner JN, Bruggeman EC, Wen Z, Yao B. Epigenetic Regulations in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Genet 2019; 10:268. [PMID: 31019524 PMCID: PMC6458251 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise genetic and epigenetic spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression is critical for proper brain development, function and circuitry formation in the mammalian central nervous system. Neuronal differentiation processes are tightly regulated by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelers and non-coding RNAs. Dysregulation of any of these pathways is detrimental to normal neuronal development and functions, which can result in devastating neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of epigenetic regulations in brain development and functions, as well as their implications in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janise N Kuehner
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Emily C Bruggeman
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Morrison FG, Miller MW, Logue MW, Assef M, Wolf EJ. DNA methylation correlates of PTSD: Recent findings and technical challenges. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 90:223-234. [PMID: 30503303 PMCID: PMC6314898 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that epigenetic factors play a critical role in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by mediating the impact of environmental exposures to trauma on the regulation of gene expression. DNA methylation is one epigenetic process that has been highly studied in PTSD. This review will begin by providing an overview of DNA methylation (DNAm) methods, and will then highlight two major biological systems that have been identified in the epigenetic regulation in PTSD: (a) the immune system and (b) the stress response system. In addition to candidate gene approaches, we will review novel strategies to study epigenome-wide PTSD-related effects, including epigenome-wide algorithms that distill information from many loci into a single summary score (e.g., measures of "epigenetic age" which have been associated with PTSD). This review will also cover recent epigenome wide association studies (EWAS) of PTSD, and biological pathway models used to identify gene sets enriched in PTSD. Finally, we address technical and methodological advances and challenges to the field, and highlight exciting directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomene G. Morrison
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Mark W. Miller
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Mark W. Logue
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine,Biomedical Genetics, Boston University School of Medicine,Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health
| | - Michele Assef
- Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College
| | - Erika J. Wolf
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine
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Kang HJ, Bae KY, Kim SW, Shin IS, Kim HR, Shin MG, Hong YJ, Ahn Y, Jeong MH, Yoon JS, Kim JM. Methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene associated with depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:42-49. [PMID: 30408722 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the longitudinal effects of NR3C1 1 F exon methylation on the risk of depression following ACS and treatment outcomes. METHODS In total, 969 patients admitted for recent ACS were recruited within 2 weeks of ACS; 711 of these patients were followed up at 1 year. Depressive disorder was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria and included prevalent depressive disorder at baseline and incident or persistent depressive disorder at follow-up based on depression status at the two examinations. Of the 378 baseline participants who were diagnosed with depression, 255 participated in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of escitalopram, while the remaining 123 were managed with the usual medical treatment for ACS.NR3C1 1 F exon methylation was measured using peripheral blood samples, and various demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed as covariates. RESULTS Higher NR3C1 1 F exon methylation levels were independently associated with prevalent depressive disorder at baseline but not with incident or persistent depressive disorder at follow-up based on logistic regression analyses adjusted for covariates. The effects of escitalopram on the remission of depressive symptoms was not influenced by NR3C1 1 F exon methylation status in ACS patients, but a placebo effect on the remission of depressive symptoms was observed, particularly in patients with lower methylation levels. CONCLUSIONS ACS patients with higher NR3C1 1 F exon methylation levels were at higher risk of developing depressive disorder within 2 weeks of ACS. Additionally, adequate antidepressant treatment may be effective for the remission of depressive symptoms regardless of NR3C1 1 F exon methylation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Ju Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Yeol Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Il-Seon Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hye-Ran Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Myung-Geun Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Joon Hong
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youngkeun Ahn
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Myung Ho Jeong
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin-Sang Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Min Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
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Papadopoulou Z, Vlaikou AM, Theodoridou D, Markopoulos GS, Tsoni K, Agakidou E, Drosou-Agakidou V, Turck CW, Filiou MD, Syrrou M. Stressful Newborn Memories: Pre-Conceptual, In Utero, and Postnatal Events. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:220. [PMID: 31057437 PMCID: PMC6482218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life stressful experiences are critical for plasticity and development, shaping adult neuroendocrine response and future health. Stress response is mediated by the autonomous nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis while various environmental stimuli are encoded via epigenetic marks. The stress response system maintains homeostasis by regulating adaptation to the environmental changes. Pre-conceptual and in utero stressors form the fetal epigenetic profile together with the individual genetic profile, providing the background for individual stress response, vulnerability, or resilience. Postnatal and adult stressful experiences may act as the definitive switch. This review addresses the issue of how preconceptual in utero and postnatal events, together with individual differences, shape future stress responses. Putative markers of early-life adverse effects such as prematurity and low birth weight are emphasized, and the epigenetic, mitochondrial, and genomic architecture regulation of such events are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki-Maria Vlaikou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Daniela Theodoridou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Georgios S Markopoulos
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantina Tsoni
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Faculty, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Agakidou
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Faculty, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Drosou-Agakidou
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Faculty, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Michaela D Filiou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Schür RR, van Leeuwen JMC, Houtepen LC, Joëls M, Kahn RS, Boks MP, Vinkers CH. Glucocorticoid receptor exon 1 F methylation and the cortisol stress response in health and disease. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 97:182-189. [PMID: 30036796 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Childhood trauma has been proposed to increase vulnerability to develop psychopathology in part through an altered cortisol stress response. Research in rats has suggested that this effect is mediated by methylation in the glucocorticoid receptor 17 region (GR-17 or GR-1F in humans), with higher methylation after poor maternal care leading to an increased cortisol stress response in adulthood. In humans, the associations between childhood trauma and GR-1F methylation or the cortisol stress response are equivocal. Remarkably, evidence for the relation between GR-1F methylation and the cortisol stress response has been conflicting as well. To further explore this, we investigated the associations of peripheral GR-1F methylation (52 CpGs) with the cortisol stress response (Trier Social Stress Test) and with childhood trauma in three independent studies (total N = 241) including healthy controls, patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and unaffected siblings of patients with one of these disorders. We did not find any significant association between GR-1F methylation and the cortisol stress response (areas under the curve) or childhood trauma, nor did we observe any group differences between patients, siblings and healthy controls. Our findings do not support GR-1F methylation as a proxy for the cortisol stress response, nor its link with childhood trauma or psychopathology. These results suggest that multifactorial models for stress-related psychopathology are needed. Alternatively, future longitudinal studies may reveal GR-1F methylation to be a useful parameter at an individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remmelt R Schür
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Judith M C van Leeuwen
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte C Houtepen
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom; School of Experimental Psychology at the University of Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
| | - Marian Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - René S Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Marco P Boks
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan H Vinkers
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Yehuda R, Lehrner A. Intergenerational transmission of trauma effects: putative role of epigenetic mechanisms. World Psychiatry 2018; 17:243-257. [PMID: 30192087 PMCID: PMC6127768 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the research evidence concerning the intergenerational transmission of trauma effects and the possible role of epigenetic mechanisms in this transmission. Two broad categories of epigenetically mediated effects are highlighted. The first involves developmentally programmed effects. These can result from the influence of the offspring's early environmental exposures, including postnatal maternal care as well as in utero exposure reflecting maternal stress during pregnancy. The second includes epigenetic changes associated with a preconception trauma in parents that may affect the germline, and impact fetoplacental interactions. Several factors, such as sex-specific epigenetic effects following trauma exposure and parental developmental stage at the time of exposure, explain different effects of maternal and paternal trauma. The most compelling work to date has been done in animal models, where the opportunity for controlled designs enables clear interpretations of transmissible effects. Given the paucity of human studies and the methodological challenges in conducting such studies, it is not possible to attribute intergenerational effects in humans to a single set of biological or other determinants at this time. Elucidating the role of epigenetic mechanisms in intergenerational effects through prospective, multi-generational studies may ultimately yield a cogent understanding of how individual, cultural and societal experiences permeate our biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Bronx Veterans Affairs Hospital, Bronx, NY, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Lehrner
- James J. Peters Bronx Veterans Affairs Hospital, Bronx, NY, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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43
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Montagud-Romero S, Blanco-Gandía MC, Reguilón MD, Ferrer-Pérez C, Ballestín R, Miñarro J, Rodríguez-Arias M. Social defeat stress: Mechanisms underlying the increase in rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 48:2948-2970. [PMID: 30144331 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Social interaction is known to be the main source of stress in human beings, which explains the translational importance of this research in animals. Evidence reported over the last decade has revealed that, when exposed to social defeat experiences (brief episodes of social confrontations during adolescence and adulthood), the rodent brain undergoes remodeling and functional modifications, which in turn lead to an increase in the rewarding and reinstating effects of different drugs of abuse. The mechanisms by which social stress cause changes in the brain and behavior are unknown, and so the objective of this review is to contemplate how social defeat stress induces long-lasting consequences that modify the reward system. First of all, we will describe the most characteristic results of the short- and long-term consequences of social defeat stress on the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse such as psychostimulants and alcohol. Secondly, and throughout the review, we will carefully assess the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects, including changes in the dopaminergic system, corticotrophin releasing factor signaling, epigenetic modifications and the neuroinflammatory response. To conclude, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages and the translational value of the social defeat stress model, and will discuss challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Montagud-Romero
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Marina D Reguilón
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Ferrer-Pérez
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raul Ballestín
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Miñarro
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Watkeys OJ, Kremerskothen K, Quidé Y, Fullerton JM, Green MJ. Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) DNA methylation in association with trauma, psychopathology, transcript expression, or genotypic variation: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:85-122. [PMID: 30176278 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) is a critical component of the stress response system. Cytosine methylation of NR3C1 has been repeatedly associated with trauma and mental disorders, including major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and personality disorders, suggesting that NR3C1 methylation may play a role in stress-related psychopathology. We systematically reviewed 55 studies examining NR3C1 DNA methylation in association with trauma exposure, psychopathology, gene expression, and/or common genetic variants. Overall, a number of NR3C1 CpG sites were significantly associated with trauma or psychopathology, but significant findings were often inconsistent across studies. This lack of consistency is likely influenced by significant methodological variability - experimentally and analytically - across studies. Selected common genetic variants show no significant effect on NR3C1 CpG methylation. In contrast, there was ample evidence linking increased methylation of NR3C1 to reduced expression of this gene. The inverse association between methylation and gene expression shown across eight out of ten studies supports the notion that methylation in the promoter region of NR3C1 is associated with transcriptional silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Watkeys
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Kyle Kremerskothen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Yann Quidé
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Janice M Fullerton
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Wallace Wurth Building, 18 High Street, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Melissa J Green
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.
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Kang HJ, Bae KY, Kim SW, Shin IS, Kim HR, Shin MG, Yoon JS, Kim JM. Longitudinal associations between glucocorticoid receptor methylation and late-life depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:56-62. [PMID: 29432878 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
It has been suggested that hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation plays a role in the etiology of depression. HPA axis function is mediated by glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), which are influenced by epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation). The association between the DNA methylation of the GR gene (nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1; NR3C1) and late-life depression as well as the role of NR3C1 methylation in the prediction of the incidence of depression have not yet been investigated. Therefore, we examined the independent and longitudinal effects of the methylation of three CpG sites in exon 1F of NR3C1 on late-life depression using peripheral blood. In total, 732 Korean community residents aged ≥65 years were assessed; 521 individuals in this group without depression at baseline were followed 2 years later. The Geriatric Mental State Schedule was used to identify depression, and demographic and clinical covariates were evaluated. The effects of NR3C1 methylation (the individual methylation status of three CpG sites and their average values) on current and follow-up depression were calculated using a multivariate logistic regression model. Higher NR3C1 methylation levels at CpG 2 and 3 and the average methylation value were independently associated with the prevalence of depression at baseline. Additionally, a higher NR3C1 methylation level at CpG 2 was associated with depression incidence 2 years later in this population. These findings suggest an association between the methylation of NR3C1 exon 1F, especially at CpG 2, and depression later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Ju Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Yeol Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Seon Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ran Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geun Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Sang Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Min Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
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47
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Integration of neural and epigenetic contributions to posttraumatic stress symptoms: The role of hippocampal volume and glucocorticoid receptor gene methylation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192222. [PMID: 29415058 PMCID: PMC5802910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many Veterans exposed to physical and psychological trauma experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As the etiology of PTSD symptoms is complex, a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms may improve preventative care and treatment for PTSD. Recent findings from the fields of neuroimaging and epigenetics offer important insights into the potential brain structures and biochemical pathways of modified gene expression associated with PTSD. We combined neuroimaging and epigenetic measures to assess current PTSD symptoms by measuring overall hippocampal volume and methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene (promoter region). Multiple regression analyses indicated that the hippocampal volume/GR methylation interaction was a predictor of PTSD symptoms. Our findings suggest that neuroimaging and epigenetic measures contribute interactively to PTSD symptoms. Incorporation of these metrics may aid in the identification and treatment of PTSD patients.
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48
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Namous H, Peñagaricano F, Del Corvo M, Capra E, Thomas DL, Stella A, Williams JL, Marsan PA, Khatib H. Integrative analysis of methylomic and transcriptomic data in fetal sheep muscle tissues in response to maternal diet during pregnancy. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:123. [PMID: 29409445 PMCID: PMC5801776 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4509-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have established a link between maternal diet and the physiological and metabolic phenotypes of their offspring. In previous studies in sheep, we demonstrated that different maternal diets altered the transcriptome of fetal tissues. However, the mechanisms underlying transcriptomic changes are poorly understood. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark regulating transcription and is largely influenced by dietary components of the one-carbon cycle that generate the methyl group donor, SAM. Therefore, in the present study, we tested whether different maternal diets during pregnancy would alter the DNA methylation and gene expression patterns in fetal tissues. RESULTS Pregnant ewes were randomly divided into two groups which received either hay or corn diet from mid-gestation (day 67 ± 5) until day 131 ± 1 when fetuses were collected by necropsy. A total of 1516 fetal longissimus dorsi (LD) tissues were used for DNA methylation analysis and gene expression profiling. Whole genome DNA methylation using methyl-binding domain enrichment analysis revealed 60 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between hay and corn fetuses with 39 DMRs more highly methylated in the hay fetuses vs. 21 DMRs more highly methylated in the corn fetuses. Three DMRs (LPAR3, PLIN5-PLIN4, and the differential methylation of a novel lincRNA) were validated using bisulfite sequencing. These DMRs were associated with differential gene expression. Additionally, significant DNA methylation differences were found at the single CpG level. Integrative methylome and transcriptome analysis revealed an association between gene expression and inter-/intragenic methylated regions. Furthermore, intragenic DMRs were found to be associated with expression of neighboring genes. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study imply that maternal diet from mid- to late-gestation can shape the epigenome and the transcriptome of fetal tissues, and putatively affect phenotypes of the lambs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadjer Namous
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 1675 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Francisco Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Florida, USA
| | - Marcello Del Corvo
- Institute of Zootechnics and PRONUTRIGEN Research Center, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Emanuele Capra
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Lodi, Italy
| | - David L. Thomas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 1675 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Alessandra Stella
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Lodi, Italy
| | - John L. Williams
- Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, Australia
| | - Paolo Ajmone Marsan
- Institute of Zootechnics and PRONUTRIGEN Research Center, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Hasan Khatib
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 1675 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706 USA
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Parent J, Parade SH, Laumann LE, Ridout KK, Yang BZ, Marsit CJ, Seifer R, Tyrka AR. Dynamic stress-related epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene promoter during early development: The role of child maltreatment. Dev Psychopathol 2017; 29:1635-1648. [PMID: 29162170 PMCID: PMC5726533 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417001298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics processes may play a vital role in the biological embedding of early environmental adversity and the development of psychopathology. Accumulating evidence suggests that maltreatment is linked to methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (NR3C1), which is a key regulator of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, prior work has been exclusively cross-sectional, greatly constraining our understanding of stress-related epigenetic processes over time. In the current study, we examined the effect of maltreatment and other adversity on change in NR3C1 methylation among at-risk preschoolers to begin to characterize within-child epigenetic changes during this sensitive developmental period. Participants were 260 preschoolers (3-5 years old, 53.8% female), including 51.5% with moderate to severe maltreatment in the past 6 months. Child protection records, semistructured interviews, and parent reports were used to assess child stress exposure. Methylation of exons 1D and 1F of NR3C1 via saliva DNA were measured at two time points approximately 6 months apart. Results indicate that maltreated children evidence higher baseline levels of NR3C1 methylation, significant decreases in methylation over time, and then at follow-up, lower levels of methylation, relative to nonmaltreated preschoolers. Findings from the current study highlight the complex nature of stress-related epigenetic processes during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Parent
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital
- Center for Children and Families, Department of Psychology, Florida International University
| | - Stephanie H. Parade
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital
| | - Laura E. Laumann
- Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital
| | - Kathryn K. Ridout
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital
| | - Bao-Zhu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Ronald Seifer
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital
| | - Audrey R. Tyrka
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital
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50
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Cicchetti D, Handley ED. Methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (NR3C1), in maltreated and nonmaltreated children: Associations with behavioral undercontrol, emotional lability/negativity, and externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Dev Psychopathol 2017; 29:1795-1806. [PMID: 29162187 PMCID: PMC5718163 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417001407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the effect of various dimensions of child maltreatment (i.e., developmental timing of maltreatment, number of maltreatment subtypes, and chronicity of maltreatment) on methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (NR3C1), and investigated the associations between NR3C1 methylation and child outcomes. Participants included 534 children who attended a research summer camp program for school-aged maltreated (53.4%) and nonmaltreated (46.6%) children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Results show that children with early onset maltreatment evidence significant hypermethylation compared to nonmaltreated children. Moreover, more maltreatment subtypes experienced and more chronic maltreatment are both related to greater NR3C1 hypermethylation. Findings also indicate that hypermethylation of NR3C1 is linked with a number of negative child outcomes including greater emotional lability-negativity, higher levels of ego undercontrol, more externalizing behavior, and greater depressive symptoms. Together, results highlight the role of methylation of NR3C1 in the effects of child maltreatment on the development of emotion dysregulation and psychopathology.
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