Maternal trauma and fear history predict BDNF methylation and gene expression in newborns.

ABSTRACT: Trauma and related fear exert significant influence on mental and physical health throughout the lifespan and are associated with intergenerational patterns of development, health, and behavior. DNA methylation and gene expression are involved in our developmental adaptations to our experiences and can be influenced by social interventions. Patterns of DNA methylation and expression of a gene involved in neurodevelopment and psychiatric risk (BDNF) have been linked with childhood trauma. Given the intergenerational patterns of health and behavior, and previous links between childhood trauma and BDNF methylation and expression, this study investigated the potential for maternal history of traumatic experiences to influence development in her newborn, via changes in her newborn

SUBMITTER: Pilkay SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7247527 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature