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Epigenetics: A Missing Link Between Early Life Stress and Depression

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Major Depressive Disorder

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 1305))

Abstract

Exposure to early life stress (ELS) represents a major risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, including depression. The susceptibility associated with ELS may result from persistent changes in gene transcription, which can occur through epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression. Animal models and reports in humans described that negative stimuli can alter the neurodevelopment of an individual, affecting their behavior and cognitive development. It is currently hypothesized that levels of environmental adversity in this early developmental period are able to shape the experience-dependent maturation of stress-regulating pathways leading to long-lasting alterations in stress responsivity during adulthood. Here, we review key findings from animal and clinical studies examining the effects of prenatal and postnatal environment in shaping development of the neuroendocrine regulation of stress and the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the predisposition of depression.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the ANID Millennium Science Initiative—Millennium Institute for Research on Depression and Personality, Grant No. IS130005.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Molecular Biology & Pharmacogenetics, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile

    Kathleen Saavedra & Luis A. Salazar

  2. Millennium Institute for Research in Depression and Personality (MIDAP), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile

    Kathleen Saavedra & Luis A. Salazar

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  1. Kathleen Saavedra
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  2. Luis A. Salazar
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Correspondence to Luis A. Salazar .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea (Republic of)

    Yong-Ku Kim

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Saavedra, K., Salazar, L.A. (2021). Epigenetics: A Missing Link Between Early Life Stress and Depression. In: Kim, YK. (eds) Major Depressive Disorder. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1305. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_8

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