An epigenomics approach to individual differences and its translation to neuropsychiatric conditions

Figures & data

Figure 1. The epigenome as an interface between genes and environment/experience, and its role as a driver of individuality. See text for discussion.

TABLE I. Neuropsychiatric disorders associated with epigenetic mechanisms or epigenetic disruption. This list is not exhaustive, but rather is representative. ATR-X, alpha-thalassemia X-linked mental retardation; PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder.

Figure 2. Schematic representation of epigenetic marks. (A) DNA is condensed within the nucleus through interactions with histones. The DNA-protein complex is referred to as chromatin. (B) The N-terminal tail of a histone has several sites for epigenetic marking that can promote or repress gene transcription. (C) Methylation of DNA in which a methyl group (red diamonds) is transferred to cytosines in genomic regions in and around gene promoters rich in cytosine-guanine nucleotides (CpG islands). (D) A variety of noncoding RNA gene products also confer epigenetic regulation on neural systems.