The Effects of Stressful Life Events on Epigenetic Modification: An Association Between the FKBP5 gene and the Onset of Mental Disorders
Summary
This dissertation consists of two parts. This first part serves as a literature review integrating
studies measuring DNA methylation in a variety of genes following recent and/or chronic life adversity in
children and adults. The objective was to understand if the experience of stressful life events is related to
DNA methylation. The results confirm the epigenetic influence of stress, although its degree varies
depending on the individual regardless of his/her developmental stage. The second part is devoted to
analyzing data from a unique longitudinal cohort of Swedish twins at two-time points to see if life adversity
is related to changes in methylation in the FKB5 gene. Results: The findings suggest that stressful events
change the course and methylation in the FKBP5 gene (predominantly around the CpG site rs15929276)
and that this could provoke mental dysfunction. Conclusions & recommendations: There seems to be a
reciprocal causality between psychopathology and the ‘gene X environment’ interaction. We need to better
understand the complex interplay between internal and external influences in order to ameliorate preventive
interventions based on sufficient genetic and mental history screening.