title: Implications of epigenetics and stress regulation on research and developmental care of preterm infants.
abstract: Epigenetics refers to chemical modifications leading to changes in gene expression without any alteration of the DNA structure. We suggest ways through which epigenetic mechanisms might contribute to alter developmental trajectories in preterm infants. Although theoretical and methodological issues still need to be addressed, we discuss how epigenetics might be an emergent research field with potential innovative insights for researchers and clinicians involved in the neonatal care of preterm infants.
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Montirosso
authors.forename: Livio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Provenzi
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D057890:Epigenomics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018730:Infant Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000523:psychology; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D012107:Research Design; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: behavioral epigenetics; neonatal intensive care unit; preterm birth; stress