Behavioral epigenetics and the developmental origins of child mental health disorders

Advances in understanding the molecular basis of behavior through epigenetic mechanisms could help explain the developmental origins of child mental health disorders. However, the application of epigenetic principles to the study of human behavior is a relatively new endeavor. In this paper we discu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of developmental origins of health and disease 2012-12, Vol.3 (6), p.395-408
Main Authors: Lester, B. M., Marsit, C. J., Conradt, E., Bromer, C., Padbury, J. F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 - genetics
Adaptation
Babies
Behavior
Cardiovascular disease
Child
Child & adolescent mental health
Children & youth
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Diabetes
DNA
DNA methylation
Epigenesis, Genetic
Epigenetics
Fetal Development
Fetuses
Gene expression
Genotype & phenotype
Humans
Hypertension
Mental disorders
Mental Disorders - etiology
Mental Disorders - genetics
Mental health care
Metabolism
Neurosecretory Systems - physiology
Pediatrics
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Proteins
Review
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Summary:Advances in understanding the molecular basis of behavior through epigenetic mechanisms could help explain the developmental origins of child mental health disorders. However, the application of epigenetic principles to the study of human behavior is a relatively new endeavor. In this paper we discuss the ‘Developmental Origins of Health and Disease’ including the role of fetal programming. We then review epigenetic principles related to fetal programming and the recent application of epigenetics to behavior. We focus on the neuroendocrine system and develop a simple heuristic stress-related model to illustrate how epigenetic changes in placental genes could predispose the infant to neurobehavioral profiles that interact with postnatal environmental factors potentially leading to mental health disorders. We then discuss from an ‘Evo-Devo’ perspective how some of these behaviors could also be adaptive. We suggest how elucidation of these mechanisms can help to better define risk and protective factors and populations at risk.
ISSN:2040-1744
2040-1752
DOI:10.1017/S2040174412000426