From the NIH site. Frances Champagne, Ph.D., Columbia University talks on the epigenetics of gene expression in the brain.
Neuroscience Seminar SeriesFor more information, visit: http://neuroscience.info.nih.gov
Epigenetics: Mechanisms and Implications for Studying the Interplay Between Genes and the Environment
Dr. Champagne’s laboratory studies how genetic and environmental factors interact to regulate maternal behavior and how natural variations in this behavior can shape the behavioral development of offspring through epigenetic changes in gene expression in a brain region specific manner. In rodents, the quality of postpartum care has long-term effects on response to stress, reward, and to social behavior. These effects are associated with changes in gene expression in the brain. Cross-fostering studies have shown the postnatal environment to be critical to the regulation of these aspects of adult behavior. Interestingly, the quality of maternal care exhibited by mothers also correlates with the quality of care provided in the future by their female offspring. This transmission of maternal behavior from one generation to the next involves changes in the expression of estrogen receptors (ER) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the hypothalamus. These changes are induced during the first week of life and are maintained into adulthood. The Champagne lab has examined the role of epigenetic modifications in the form of DNA methylation in mediating these stable individual differences in gene expression. These epigenetic effects allow for plasticity of phenotype in response to environmental signals that can be observed in subsequent generations. They are currently exploring both genetic and environmental influences on maternal care and the transgenerational impact of these influences for offspring development and behavior.
Author: Frances Champagne, Ph.D., Columbia University
Runtime: 01:02:25
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Watch the video at the NIH site.
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