Epigenetic Embedding of Childhood Adversity: Mitochondrial Metabolism and Neurobiology of Stress-related CNS Diseases

Overview

Journal Front Mol Neurosci

Specialty Molecular Biology

Date 2023 Aug 11

PMID 37564785

Authors

Benedetta Bigio

Yotam Sagi

Olivia Barnhill

Josh Dobbin

Omar El Shahawy

Paolo De Angelis

Carla Nasca

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This invited article ad memoriam of Bruce McEwen discusses emerging epigenetic mechanisms underlying the from adverse childhood experiences to adult physiology and brain functions. The conceptual framework that we pursue suggest multidimensional biological pathways for the rapid regulation of neuroplasticity that utilize rapid non-genomic mechanisms of epigenetic programming of gene expression and modulation of metabolic function via mitochondrial metabolism. The current article also highlights how applying computational tools can foster the translation of basic neuroscience discoveries for the development of novel treatment models for mental illnesses, such as depression to slow the clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease. Citing an expression that many of us heard from Bruce, while "It is not possible to roll back the clock," deeper understanding of the biological pathways and mechanisms through which stress produces a lifelong vulnerability to altered mitochondrial metabolism can provide a path for compensatory neuroplasticity. The newest findings emerging from this mechanistic framework are among the latest topics we had the good fortune to discuss with Bruce the day before his sudden illness when walking to a restaurant in a surprisingly warm evening that preluded the snowstorm on December 18th, 2019. With this article, we wish to celebrate Bruce's untouched love for Neuroscience.

Citing Articles

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