Gene-environment interaction causes lifelong dysregulation
of stress hormones
Abused children are at high risk of anxiety and mood
disorders, as traumatic experience induces lasting changes to their gene
regulation. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich
have now documented for the first time that genetic variants of the FKBP5 gene
can influence epigenetic alterations in this gene induced by early trauma. In
individuals with a genetic predisposition, trauma causes long-term changes in
DNA methylation leading to a lasting dysregulation of the stress hormone
system. As a result, those affected find themselves less able to cope with
stressful situations throughout their lives, frequently leading to depression,
post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety disorders in adulthood. Doctors and
scientists hope these discoveries will yield new treatment strategies tailored
to individual patients, as well as increased public awareness of the importance
of protecting children from trauma and its consequences.