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Cited by 14Epigenetics and DNA MethylationIntimate Partner and Family ViolenceChild Abuse and Trauma

Methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) in dyads mother-child exposed to intimate partner violence in Cameroon: Association with anxiety symptoms

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Wadji, Dany Laure, Morina, Naser, Martin-Soelch, Chantal, Wicky, Chantal·2023·PLOS ONE
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0273602PMC PMC10079034

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Abstract

Background: The glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is encoded by the NR3C1 (Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1) gene plays an important role in the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity by providing feedback regulation which allows termination of the stress response. Little is known about epigenetic programming at the level of NGFI-A (nerve growth factor-inducible protein A) putative binding site (CpG) of the NR3C1 exon 1F in dyads mother-child exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) more specifically in an unstudied region such as the sub-Saharan Africa where levels of violence are very high. Objective: Examine NR3C1 exon 1F methylation in response to IPV and possible association with cortisol concentration and mental health. Method: We recruited 20 mother–child dyads exposed to IPV and a control group of 20 mother–child dyads not exposed to IPV. We administered self-reported questionnaires to measure mother’s mental health and collected saliva samples for cortisol dosage and bisulfite sequencing of DNA methylation. Results: Regarding the mothers, our results showed a significant difference in methylation level at CpG 16–21 sites of the NR3C1 exon 1F promoter region between the groups. In the exposed group as compared to the control group, there was a significant positive association between the level of methylation at CpG 16–21 sites and mother’s mental health in particular anxiety symptoms. However, we did not find any significant correlation between methylation level and cortisol concentration. In children, we did not find any significant results. Conclusion: This study highlights a NGFI-A putative binding site (CpG 16–21) that is more methylated in mothers exposed to IPV and which may have the potential to confer vulnerability for psychopathologies.

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  • Additional studies link IPV exposure to altered methylation of NR3C1, corresponding with differences in stress reactivity and anxiety-related symptoms.

    “Additional studies link IPV exposure to altered methylation of NR3C1, corresponding with differences in stress reactivity and anxiety-related symptoms (55).”

    From Epigenetic changes associated with multi-generational trauma: characterization, mechanisms, and therapeutics (2026) · cites this paper as [55]

    The Discussion reports different NR3C1 methylation at CpG 16–21 in IPV-exposed mothers and an association with their anxiety symptoms. The Results (Cortisol measures) find no significant cortisol difference between exposed and control groups, so this study does not establish corresponding differences in stress reactivity. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • A substantial proportion of studies have focused on a limited number of stress-response genes, most notably FKBP5 and NR3C1.

    “A substantial proportion of studies have focused on a limited number of stress-response genes, most notably FKBP5 and NR3C1 (55, 65, 83, 84, 121, 129).”

    From Epigenetic changes associated with multi-generational trauma: characterization, mechanisms, and therapeutics (2026) · cites this paper as [55]

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Wadji, D. L., Morina, N., Martin-Soelch, C., & Wicky, C.
Affiliations
  • University of Fribourg (CH)
  • University of Zurich (CH)
Corresponding author
Wadji, Dany Laure
ORCID
Venue
PLOS ONE
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Published
2023-04-06
Volume
18
Issue
4
Pages
e0273602
ISSN
1932-6203 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0273602
PMC
PMC10079034
OpenAlex
W4362658281
Cited by
14
References
5
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 2
FWCI
1.25
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • PLoS ONE (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (2018.0801)
  • Swiss National Science Foundation (P1FRP1_199872)
  • University of Fribourg Research Pool
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
  • Social Sciences › Health › Intimate Partner and Family Violence
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
Keywords
glucocorticoid receptor, NR3C1, DNA methylation, intimate partner violence, mother-child dyads, anxiety symptoms, cortisol, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, epigenetic programming, maternal mental health, Cameroon
MeSH terms
Intimate Partner Violence, Anxiety, Cameroon, Female, Glucocorticoids, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Mother-Child Relations, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Receptors, Glucocorticoid, CpG Islands, DNA Methylation

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