DNA methylation at stress-related genes is associated with exposure to early life institutionalization.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Differences in DNA methylation have been associated with early life adversity, suggesting that alterations in methylation function as one pathway through which adverse early environments are biologically embedded. This study examined associations between exposure to institutional care, quantified as the proportion of time in institutional care at specified follow-up assessment ages, and DNA methylation status in two stress-related genes: FKBP5 and SLC6A4.

Materials and methods

We analyzed data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, which is a prospective study in which children reared in institutional settings were randomly assigned (mean age 22 months) to either newly created foster care or care as usual (to remain in their current placement) and prospect

SUBMITTER: Non AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5278953 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature