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Epigenetics of neurobiology and behavior during development and adulthood
Author(s) -
Roth Tania L.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
developmental psychobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1098-2302
pISSN - 0012-1630
DOI - 10.1002/dev.20550
Subject(s) - epigenetics , neuroscience , psychology , dna methylation , histone , epigenesis , neuroplasticity , biology , gene , genetics , gene expression
Gene–environment interactions have long been recognized for their important role in mediating the development and functions of the central nervous system (CNS). The study of DNA methylation and histone modifications, biochemical processes collectively referred to as epigenetic mechanisms, is helping to elucidate how gene–environmental interactions alter neurobiology and behavior over the course of the lifespan. In this review, landmark and recent studies that highlight the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the sustained effects of early‐life experiences on gene activity and behavioral outcome will be discussed. Likewise, studies that implicate epigenetics in CNS and behavioral plasticity in the adult animal will be discussed. As our current understanding of epigenetics in these capacities is still evolving, epigenetic research will continue to be of considerable interest for understanding the molecular mechanisms mediating neurobiology and behavior both within and outside of sensitive periods of development. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals,Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54: 590–597, 2012.