Insight from animal models of environmentally driven epigenetic changes in the developing and adult brain

The efforts of many neuroscientists are directed toward understanding the appreciable plasticity of the brain and behavior. In recent years, epigenetics has become a core of this focus as a prime mechanistic candidate for behavioral modifications. Animal models have been instrumental in advancing ou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Development and psychopathology 2016-11, Vol.28 (4pt2), p.1229-1243
Main Authors: Doherty, Tiffany S, Roth, Tania L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Animals
Brain
Brain - physiology
Disease Models, Animal
DNA Methylation - genetics
Environment
Epigenesis, Genetic - genetics
Epigenetics
Female
Genomic Imprinting - genetics
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Male
Models, Genetic
Neurosciences
Phenotype
Preconception Injuries - genetics
Social Environment
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Summary:The efforts of many neuroscientists are directed toward understanding the appreciable plasticity of the brain and behavior. In recent years, epigenetics has become a core of this focus as a prime mechanistic candidate for behavioral modifications. Animal models have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of environmentally driven changes to the epigenome in the developing and adult brain. This review focuses mainly on such discoveries driven by adverse environments along with their associated behavioral outcomes. While much of the evidence discussed focuses on epigenetics within the central nervous system, several peripheral studies in humans who have experienced significant adversity are also highlighted. As we continue to unravel the link between epigenetics and phenotype, discerning the complexity and specificity of epigenetic changes induced by environments is an important step toward understanding optimal development and how to prevent or ameliorate behavioral deficits bred by disruptive environments.
ISSN:0954-5794
1469-2198
DOI:10.1017/s095457941600081x