[Epigenetics of early interactions, depression and schizophrenia].
Epigenetics is the study of the variations of genetic expression that occur not because of differences in DNA structure, but because of chromatin alternations that modulate DNA transcription. The mechanisms of epigenetics are thus the link between genome and phenotype. This article will explore the best known epigenetic mechanisms, namely DNA methylation and histone modifications and how they may lead to the emergence of depression and schizophrenia. The practical interest of this research is an understanding of the role of early interactions in the development of mental illness. Hopefully this understanding will lead to therapeutic pathways aimed at neutralizing these unfavourable epigenetic influences, with the ultimate goal of prevention of mental illness.
Département de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Erasme, Bruxelles. pauline.monhonval@erasme.ulb.ac.be
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D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D004843:Epistasis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*