Genetic and epigenetic variation of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) in placenta and infant neurobehavior

• DOI: 10.1002/dev.21061
• Publication Date: 2012-06-19T15:39:35Z
• Authors: Cailey Bromer; Carmen J. Marsit; David A. Armstrong; James F. Padbury; Barry Lester
• Keywords: Adult; Male; 0301 basic medicine; Genotype; Movement; Placenta; Infant, Newborn; DNA Methylation; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Epigenesis, Genetic; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Receptors, Glucocorticoid; Pregnancy; Infant Behavior; Humans; Attention; Female; Promoter Regions, Genetic

Abstract The intrauterine environment can impact the developing infant by altering function of placenta through changes to epigenetic regulatory features this tissue. Genetic variation, too, may development or modify relationship between alterations and outcomes. To examine associations these variations with early life neurodevelopment, we examined extent DNA methylation glucocorticoid receptor gene ( NR3C1 ) promoter a common single nucleotide polymorphism in region series 186 placentas from healthy newborn infants. We associated molecular specific summary measures NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales. After controlling for genotype confounders, identified significant quality movement p = .05) attention .05), potential interaction on score. These results suggest that alteration genetically susceptible infants have impacts neurodevelopment which lifelong neurobehavioral mental health Further research is needed more precisely define relationships genetic health. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc . Dev Psychobiol 55: 673–683, 2013.