表观遗传修饰在应激诱发抑郁症中的作用

The role of epigenetic regulation in stress-induced depression

应激可以对个体的生理和行为产生负面影响,甚至导致抑郁症,但病因机制尚不清楚。近年来许多研究发现应激导致的表观遗传修饰变化影响抑郁症的发生。表观遗传是指DNA序列不发生变化,但基因表达却发生了可遗传的改变。应激引起的HPA轴、单胺类递质、BDNF三个方面的表观遗传修饰的变化,在抑郁症发生中发挥重要作用。最后提出了目前表观遗传机制研究的局限性和未来研究热点。

Exposure to stress could have a negative impact on the individual＇s physiological function and behavior, and even cause depression. However, the mechanism is still unclear. In recent years, research shows that the epigenetic regulation influences the onset of stress-induced depression. Epigenetics refers to the various processes leading to long-term heritable changes in gene expression without alteration of the DNA base sequence. Stress-induced epigenetic regulation from the aspects of HPA axis, monoamine neurotransmitters, and the BDNF, plays a vital role in the onset of depression. The epigenetic limitations and future research hotspots were also discussed.