Investigating epigenetic consequences of early-life adversity: some methodological considerations

Abstract

Stressful and traumatic events occurring during early childhood have been consistently associated with the development of psychiatric disorders later in life. This relationship may be mediated in part by epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, which are influenced by the early-life environment. Epigenetic patterns can have lifelong effects on gene expression and on the functioning of biological processes relevant to stress reactivity and psychopathology. Optimization of epigenetic research activity necessitates a discussion surrounding the methodologies used for DNA methylation analysis, selection of tissue sources, and timing of psychological and biological assessments. Recent studies related to early-life adversity and methylation, including both candidate gene and epigenome-wide association studies, have drawn from the variety of available techniques to generate interesting data in the field. Further discussion is warranted to address the limitations inherent to this field of research, along with future directions for epigenetic studies of adversity-related psychopathology.

Highlights of the article

• We identified issues regarding sample characteristics in epigenetic studies of early life adversity.

• We compared methods and technologies used for candidate gene analysis and whole epigenome studies.

• We discussed future perspectives, including combining multiple forms of large-scale data and newer technologies.

• DNA methylation
• epigenetics
• early-life adversity
• childhood abuse
• stress

This paper is part of the Special Issue: Back to Basics: Integrating Clinical and Scientific Knowledge to Advance the Field of Trauma – Highlights of the ISTSS-2015. More papers from this issue can be found at www.ejpt.net

For the abstract or full text in other languages, please see Supplementary files under ‘Article Tools’

This paper is part of the Special Issue: Back to Basics: Integrating Clinical and Scientific Knowledge to Advance the Field of Trauma – Highlights of the ISTSS-2015. More papers from this issue can be found at www.ejpt.net

For the abstract or full text in other languages, please see Supplementary files under ‘Article Tools’

Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to Sylvanne Daniels for her assistance in the preparation of this review.

Notes

This paper is part of the Special Issue: Back to Basics: Integrating Clinical and Scientific Knowledge to Advance the Field of Trauma – Highlights of the ISTSS-2015. More papers from this issue can be found at www.ejpt.net

For the abstract or full text in other languages, please see Supplementary files under ‘Article Tools’