Researcher(s)
- Sudipa Chowdhury, , University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Tania Roth, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware
Abstract
Behavioral health involves the study of the emotions, behaviors, and biology that impact one’s mental well-being. Major behavioral health disorders like anxiety disorders or schizophrenia have millions of cases worldwide. One of the causes of these disorders is Early-Life Stress (ELS) which could involve neglect or abuse during early developmental years. Epigenetics can provide a better understanding of the exact biological and behavioral effects of ELS. Using a rodent model, a CFC/NMC (nurturing care) group of infants underwent normal care, a cross-foster group received care from a non-biological mother, and a maltreatment group experienced adverse caregiving, prompted by the scarce resources given to the mother. The infants remained in these conditions from PN1 to PN7 (postnatal day 1 to 7) and DNA samples were collected at PN90 in early adulthood. Bisulfite conversions and bisulfite sequencing were performed with the samples to measure DNA methylation, a process where methyl (CH3) groups attach to a gene and prevent protein synthesis. The gene for BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) was assessed as it is a neurotrophin that underlies learning, emotion processing, and behavior development. Methylation on the BDNF gene located in the adult prefrontal cortex was much greater in the maltreatment group compared to the normal care and cross-foster groups, suggesting that less BDNF gene expression would lead to insufficient neurodevelopment. Additionally, maternal behavior of maltreated females was observed 3 days prepartum and 7 days postpartum. The mothers demonstrated anxiety-related behaviors during the prepartum period and displayed adverse caregiving behaviors, akin to their childhood treatment, when interacting with infants. Essentially, these results show that epigenetic changes can cause maladaptive behaviors, and a deeper understanding of this relationship could aid in treatment development for behavioral health conditions by allowing us to identify biological mechanisms to target through potential drug or therapeutic interventions.