Increased methylation at an unexplored glucocorticoid responsive element within exon 1D of NR3C1 gene is related to anxious-depressive disorders and decreased hippocampal connectivity

Among the major psychiatric disorders, anxious-depressive disorders stand out as one of the more prevalent and more frequently associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis abnormalities. Methylation at the exon 1F of the glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1 has been associated with both early stress exposure and risk for developing a psychiatric disorder; however, other NR3C1 promoter regions have been underexplored. Exon 1D emerges as a suggestive new target in stress-related disorders epigenetically sensitive to early adversity.

Source: European Neuropsychopharmacology - April 10, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Helena Palma-Gudiel, Aldo C órdova-Palomera, Cristian Tornador, Carles Falcón, Núria Bargalló, Gustavo Deco, Lourdes Fañanás Source Type: research