Early Life Stress: Epigenetic Regulation of Endocrine and Immune Pathways

NIH Project No. 5R01MH101107
Principal Investigator: Audrey R Tyrka

ABSTRACT: A history of early life stress is an important risk factor for depressive and anxiety disorders and a range of poor health outcomes. Alterations in the neuroendocrine and immune systems, key pathways in the neurobiological response to stress, are involved in the stress induced changes that are linked to depressive and anxiety disorders. Recent work indicates that epigenetic modifications to genes in these pathways may be a central mechanism of the effects of childhood adversity.

This study seeks to examine the determinants and consequences of epigenetic modifications of key genes and gene pathways in the neuroendocrine and immune systems in a sample of young adults with and without a history of chronic childhood adversity. Results of this study will provide insight into the neurobiological markers and mechanisms of illness in individuals at risk for depressive and anxiety disorders and other poor health outcomes due childhood adversity, and provide data for new treatments and prevention approaches.

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The proposed study seeks to examine the determinants and consequences of epigenetic modifications of key genes and gene pathways in the neuroendocrine and immune systems in a sample of young adults with and without a history of chronic childhood adversity. Results of this study will provide insight into the neurobiological markers and mechanisms of illness in individuals at-risk for depressive and anxiety disorders and other poor health outcomes due childhood adversity, and provide data for new treatments and prevention approaches.

Full Project Description