Transgenerational impact of intimate partner violence on methylation in the promoter of the glucocorticoid receptor.

TitleTransgenerational impact of intimate partner violence on methylation in the promoter of the glucocorticoid receptor.
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsRadtke, K M., M Ruf, H M. Gunter, K Dohrmann, M Schauer, A Meyer, and T Elbert
PubMed ID22832523
PubMed Central IDPMC3309516

Prenatal exposure to maternal stress can have lifelong implications for psychological function, such as behavioral problems and even the development of mental illness. Previous research suggests that this is due to transgenerational epigenetic programming of genes operating in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, such as the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). However, it is not known whether intrauterine exposure to maternal stress affects the epigenetic state of these genes beyond infancy. Here, we analyze the methylation status of the GR gene in mothers and their children, at 10-19 years after birth. We combine these data with a retrospective evaluation of maternal exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV). Methylation of the mother’s GR gene was not affected by IPV. For the first time, we show that methylation status of the GR gene of adolescent children is influenced by their mother’s experience of IPV during pregnancy. As these sustained epigenetic modifications are established in utero, we consider this to be a plausible mechanism by which prenatal stress may program adult psychosocial function.

Title Transgenerational impact of intimate partner violence on methylation in the promoter of the glucocorticoid receptor.
Publication Title Transl Psychiatry
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2011
Authors K.M. Radtke; M. Ruf; H.M. Gunter; K. Dohrmann; M. Schauer; A. Meyer; T. Elbert
ISSN Number 2158-3188
PubMed Central ID PMC3309516
Grant List
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