‘Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors can lead to changes in gene activity without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These changes are often facilitated through mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modification, which consequently regulate how genes are expressed.’ This understanding highlights the role of early environments in shaping long-term behavior.
‘Pioneering studies by Dr. Michael Meaney and colleagues at McGill University provided a detailed exploration of how maternal care can lead to lasting changes in brain function through epigenetic modifications. They found that pups who received high levels of licking and grooming showed increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene, suggesting a biological link to stress resilience.’
‘Nurturing behaviors are associated with differences in gene expression to impact stress resilience. This suggests that the quality of early caregiving environments plays a crucial role in determining individual stress responses later in life.’
‘Consequently, understanding these epigenetic mechanisms provides insights into how variations in caregiving can influence developmental trajectories of human babies, establishing a complex interplay between environment and genetics.’
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