Inheriting stress: an examination of intergenerational epigenetic changes associated with trauma
Epigenetics is a rapidly advancing field of research offering insights into how cells are able to adapt to environmental changes. There remain large gaps in the research regarding the long-term effects and heritable nature of epigenetic changes. This review discusses how stress may stimulate epigenetic changes, why these changes may be adaptive or maladaptive, and the current evidence of heritability. Through the study of Holocaust survivors and their offspring, and the specific analyses of the genes FKBP5, 11β-HSD-2, and GR-1F, the article explores how epigenetic changes contribute to physiologic and pathological manifestations of stress. This information may contribute to improved outcomes for diseases and may reveal mechanisms to reverse the harmful effects of trauma.
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The original article is available at http://www.rcsismj.com/ Part of the RCSIsmj collection: https://doi.org/10.25419/rcsi.c.6800280.v1Published Citation
Naylor S. Inheriting stress: an examination of intergenerational epigenetic changes associated with trauma. RCSIsmj. 2022;15(1):42-46Publication Date
2022Department/Unit
- Undergraduate Research
Publisher
RCSI University of Medicine and Health SciencesVersion
- Published Version (Version of Record)