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2-122 - From child conception to adulthood: why epigenetic data analysis should be integrated into longitudinal studies

Fri, March 22, 1:00 to 2:30pm, Baltimore Convention Center, Floor: Level 3, Room 321

Session Type: Exchange Symposium

Integrative Statement

Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, constitute a biological process that regulates gene expression and represents a potential mechanism through which the genome can capture the effects of environmental exposure and impact human development (Mill, 2013). The observation that both genetic, environmental and social factors can shape epigenetic variations and children’s bio-psycho-social development leads to the question of how the combined influence of these factors on human development can be studied. This symposium addresses the question of how and why epigenetic data analysis should be integrated into longitudinal studies of child development. The first paper presents evidence that links psychosocial stress and maternal nutrition during pregnancy with child mental health. Paper 2 discusses the methodological issues that arise from the study of epigenetic processes using retrospective and prospective longitudinal data. Paper 3 examines the relationship between brain features and DNA methylation of a candidate gene associated with various emotion and affective (dys)functions. Finally, paper 4 discusses how a longitudinal monozygotic twin design allows disentangling genetic from environmental input into epigenetic variations (or profile). Drawing on work from four longitudinal studies, this symposium will demonstrate (1) the need to conceptualize human development from child conception to adulthood (2) the advantage of adding epigenetic analysis in the study of developmental psychopathologies, and (3) how epigenetic data can provide a more complete understanding of the interplay between genes and environment. Presenters will conclude with a discussion of future directions for epigenetic analysis using existing and new cohort studies.

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