Champagne Frances A, Curley James P
Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2008 Dec;8(6):735-9. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2008.06.018. Epub 2008 Jul 31.
Advances in molecular biology have provided tools for studying the epigenetic factors that modulate gene expression. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that can have sustained effects on transcription and is associated with long-term gene silencing. In this review, we focus on the regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) expression by hormonal and environmental cues, the consequences of these cues for female maternal and sexual behavior, and recent studies that explore the role of DNA methylation in mediating these developmental effects, with particular focus on the mediating role of maternal care. The methylation status of ERalpha has implications for reproductive behavior, cancer susceptibility, and recovery from ischemic injury, suggesting an epigenetic basis for risk and resilience across the life span.
分子生物学的进展为研究调控基因表达的表观遗传因素提供了工具。DNA甲基化是一种表观遗传修饰,可对转录产生持续影响,并与长期基因沉默相关。在本综述中,我们重点关注激素和环境信号对雌激素受体α(ERα)表达的调控、这些信号对雌性母体和性行为的影响,以及近期探索DNA甲基化在介导这些发育效应中的作用的研究,特别关注母性关怀的介导作用。ERα的甲基化状态对生殖行为、癌症易感性和缺血性损伤恢复有影响,这表明在整个生命周期中风险和恢复力存在表观遗传基础。