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Childhood adversity and DNA methylation of genes involved in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis and immune system: Whole-genome and candidate-gene associations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 October 2012

Johanna Bick ,
Oksana Naumova ,
Scott Hunter ,
Baptiste Barbot ,
Maria Lee ,
Suniya S. Luthar ,
Adam Raefski  and
Elena L. Grigorenko
Johanna Bick
Affiliation:
Yale University
Oksana Naumova
Affiliation:
Yale University Vavilov Institute of General Genetics
Scott Hunter
Affiliation:
Yale University
Baptiste Barbot
Affiliation:
Yale University
Maria Lee
Affiliation:
Yale University
Suniya S. Luthar
Affiliation:
Yale University Columbia University
Adam Raefski
Affiliation:
Yale University
Elena L. Grigorenko*
Affiliation:
Yale University Columbia University Moscow State University
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Elena L. Grigorenko, Child Study Center, Yale University, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519; E-mail: [email protected].
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Abstract

In recent years, translational research involving humans and animals has uncovered biological and physiological pathways that explain associations between early adverse circumstances and long-term mental and physical health outcomes. In this article, we summarize the human and animal literature demonstrating that epigenetic alterations in key biological systems, the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis and immune system, may underlie such disparities. We review evidence suggesting that changes in DNA methylation profiles of the genome may be responsible for the alterations in hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis and immune system trajectories. Using some preliminary data, we demonstrate how explorations of genome-wide and candidate-gene DNA methylation profiles may inform hypotheses and guide future research efforts in these areas. We conclude our article by discussing the many important future directions, merging perspectives from developmental psychology, molecular genetics, neuroendocrinology, and immunology, that are essential for furthering our understanding of how early adverse circumstances may shape developmental trajectories, particularly in the areas of stress reactivity and physical or mental health.

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Articles
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 24 , Issue 4: Contributions of the Genetic/Genomic Sciences to Developmental Psychopathology , November 2012 , pp. 1417 - 1425
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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