Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
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Inheriting stress: an examination of intergenerational epigenetic changes associated with trauma

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-08-22, 11:19 authored by Savanna Naylor

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. 

History

Comments

The original article is available at http://www.rcsismj.com/ Part of the RCSIsmj collection: https://doi.org/10.25419/rcsi.c.6800280.v1

Published Citation

Naylor S. Inheriting stress: an examination of intergenerational epigenetic changes associated with trauma. RCSIsmj. 2022;15(1):42-46

Publication Date

2022

Department/Unit

  • Undergraduate Research

Publisher

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Version

  • Published Version (Version of Record)