Epigenetic variability in the human oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene: A possible pathway from early life experiences to psychopathologies

NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS

卷:96

Article

Kraaijenvanger, Eline J.¹  He, Yujie²  Spencer, Hannah¹  Smith, Alicia K.³  Bos, Peter A.¹  Boks, Marco P. M.² 

[1] Univ Utrecht, Dept Expt Psychol, Heidelberglaan 1, NL-3584 CS Utrecht, Netherlands

[2] Univ Med Ctr Utrecht, Dept Psychiat, Brain Ctr Rudolf Magnus, Univ Weg 100, NL-3584 CG Utrecht, Netherlands

[3] Emory Univ, Sch Med, Dept Psychiat & Behav Sci, 101 Woodruff Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA

关键词: DNA methylation;    Early life experiences;    Epigenetics;    Human behavior;    Oxytocin receptor gene;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.016

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

The human oxytocin (OXT) system is implicated in the regulation of complex social behaviors, as well as in psychopathologies characterized by social deficits. Emerging evidence suggests that variation in epigenetic regulation of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) provides the oxytocin system with flexibility in response to environmental events, especially those occurring during early childhood. Changes in DNA methylation patterns of OXTR associated with these events may reflect biological alterations of social sensitivity. This is often related to an increased risk of developing mental disorders later in life. Here, we systematically reviewed all human studies (n = 30) discussing OXTR methylation in relation to socio-behavioral phenotypes. As such, we provide a complete and up-to-date overview of the literature that will aid future research in the interdisciplinary field of epigenetics and socio-behavioral sciences.

【 授权许可】

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