Behavioral epigenetics is revealing biochemical pathways that contribute to the programming of later-in-life detrimental outcomes by embedding biomarkers of early adversity exposures in the developing biology and phenotype of an individual. Preterm birth and the hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) constitute one of the major adverse events in infancy. During NICU stay, preterm infants face a number of stressful and neuroprotective exposures that may inform the epigenetic machinery and contribute to developmental post-natal programming. Here we will review the recent advances in the application of the epigenetic lens to the field of preterm studies (i.e., Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics, PBE) highlighting evidence of the epigenetic correlates of prematurity- and NICU-related stress and adversities and future directions for translational science will be discussed.
Applying behavioral epigenetic principles to preterm birth and early stress exposure
Provenzi L.
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2020-01-01
Abstract
Behavioral epigenetics is revealing biochemical pathways that contribute to the programming of later-in-life detrimental outcomes by embedding biomarkers of early adversity exposures in the developing biology and phenotype of an individual. Preterm birth and the hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) constitute one of the major adverse events in infancy. During NICU stay, preterm infants face a number of stressful and neuroprotective exposures that may inform the epigenetic machinery and contribute to developmental post-natal programming. Here we will review the recent advances in the application of the epigenetic lens to the field of preterm studies (i.e., Preterm Behavioral Epigenetics, PBE) highlighting evidence of the epigenetic correlates of prematurity- and NICU-related stress and adversities and future directions for translational science will be discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
