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

• DOI: 10.1038/tp.2011.21
• Publication Date: 2011-07-12T14:14:52Z
• Authors: K M Radtke; M Ruf; H M Gunter; K Dohrmann; M Schauer; A Meyer; T Elbert
• Keywords: Prenatal Stress; Transgenerational epigenetics

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 transgenerational epigenetic programming genes operating in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, glucocorticoid receptor (GR). However, it not known whether intrauterine affects state these beyond infancy. Here, we analyze methylation status GR gene mothers their children, at 10-19 years after birth. We combine data with a retrospective evaluation intimate partner violence (IPV). Methylation mother's was affected by IPV. For first time, show adolescent children influenced experience IPV during pregnancy. As sustained modifications are established utero, consider be plausible mechanism which prenatal may program adult psychosocial function.