The Effects of Stressful Life Events on Epigenetic Modification: An Association Between the FKBP5 gene and the Onset of Mental Disorders

Abstract

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.