Recently I read an article about epigenetic changes in the brain of child abuse victims who committed suicide.
In the brains of victims, the increase in cytosine methylation in the promoter for neuron-specific glucocorticoid receptor is associated in a decrease of glucocorticoid receptor expression.
This study demonstrates how environment stress experienced in development can cause epigenetic changes inducing negative consequences.
While I have learnt how environment can induce epigenetic changes in model organisms, this is the first time I read a study on how epigenetic changes can be associated with a horrific effect in humans. This study has reaffirmed my change of perspective on the importance of epigenetics. Initially I thought epigenetic modification is much like an ornament(before the course), as the course progressed I have come to realize epigenetics is understudied but it is critical to many processes such as X inactivation.
After taking this course, learning everything that could go wrong, and how my actions could affect my offspring, I doubt I would ever have children…
Owens, M. (2009). Faculty of 1000 evaluation for Epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor in human brain associates with childhood abuse. F1000 – Post-publication peer review of the biomedical literature. doi:10.3410/f.1158380.618532