The study of epigenetics’ mechanisms to human infants’ development has mainly focused on the effects of early adverse exposures, paying less attention to protective caregiving experiences. In the current chapter, we review recent findings on maternal caregiving as a potential epigenetic regulator of infants’ phenotype. The relevance of epigenetic regulation linked to variations in parental behavior is highlighted by examining variations in DNA methylation status of specific genes involved in neuroendocrinological and behavioral pathways. Open questions are discussed to guide future human developmental research in behavioral epigenetics.
The role of protective caregiving in epigenetic regulation in human infants
Provenzi L.;
2020-01-01
Abstract
The study of epigenetics’ mechanisms to human infants’ development has mainly focused on the effects of early adverse exposures, paying less attention to protective caregiving experiences. In the current chapter, we review recent findings on maternal caregiving as a potential epigenetic regulator of infants’ phenotype. The relevance of epigenetic regulation linked to variations in parental behavior is highlighted by examining variations in DNA methylation status of specific genes involved in neuroendocrinological and behavioral pathways. Open questions are discussed to guide future human developmental research in behavioral epigenetics.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
