Cited by 48Birth, Development, and HealthMaternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and PostpartumEpigenetics and DNA Methylation

Behavioral epigenetics and the developmental origins of child mental health disorders

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Lester, B. M., Marsit, C. J., Conradt, E., Bromer, C., Padbury, J. F.·2012·Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease

Abstract

Advances in understanding the molecular basis of behavior through epigenetic mechanisms could help explain the developmental origins of child mental health disorders. However, the application of epigenetic principles to the study of human behavior is a relatively new endeavor. In this paper we discuss the 'Developmental Origins of Health and Disease' including the role of fetal programming. We then review epigenetic principles related to fetal programming and the recent application of epigenetics to behavior. We focus on the neuroendocrine system and develop a simple heuristic stress-related model to illustrate how epigenetic changes in placental genes could predispose the infant to neurobehavioral profiles that interact with postnatal environmental factors potentially leading to mental health disorders. We then discuss from an 'Evo-Devo' perspective how some of these behaviors could also be adaptive. We suggest how elucidation of these mechanisms can help to better define risk and protective factors and populations at risk.

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  • Mental health disorders are linked in different ways and levels, exerting a dimensional effect between environmental, genetic factors and other biological mechanisms.

    “Mental health disorders are linked in different ways and levels, exerting a dimensional effect between environmental, genetic factors and other biological mechanisms [55], [56], [57].”

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  1. [57]Van den Bergh BRH. The influence of maternal emotions during pregnancy on fetal and neonatal behavior. J Prenat Perinat Psychol Health. 1990; 5, 119– 130.
  2. [58]Van den Bergh BRH. Maternal emotions during pregnancy and fetal and neonatal behavior. In Fetal Behavior: Developmental and Perinatal Aspects (ed. Nijhuis J), 1992; pp. 157– 178. Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK.
  3. [66]Henry C, Kabbaj M, Simon H, LeMoal M, Maccari S. Prenatal stress induces high anxiety and postnatal handling induces low anxiety in adult offspring: correlation with stress induced corticosterone secretion. J Neuroendocrinol. 1994; 6, 341– 345.7920600
  4. [102]Felitti V, Anda R, Nordenberg D, The relationship of adult health status to childhood abuse and household dysfunction. J Prev Med. 1998; 14, 4245– 4258. 9635069

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Authors
Lester, B. M., Marsit, C. J., Conradt, E., Bromer, C., & Padbury, J. F.
Affiliations
  • Brown University (US)
  • Dartmouth College (US)
Corresponding author
Lester, B. M.
Venue
Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Published
2012-07-03
Volume
3
Issue
6
Pages
395-408
ISSN
  • 2040-1744 (ISSN-L)
  • 2040-1752
OpenAlex
W2039284296
Cited by
48
References
163
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 1
FWCI
0.89
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH094609)
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (F32DA032175)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Birth, Development, and Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
Keywords
behavioral epigenetics, developmental origins of health and disease, fetal programming, child psychopathology, neuroendocrine system, stress response, evolutionary developmental biology, risk and protective factors
MeSH terms
Mental Disorders, Child, Humans, Neurosecretory Systems, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2, Epigenesis, Genetic, Fetal Development

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