Key-note lectures:
Epigenetic mechanisms mediating long term effects of early life adversity.
Prof. Moshe Szyf
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada H3G1Y6
E mail:moshe.szyf@mcgill.ca
Abstract
While the gene sequence contains the “operating system” of the genome epigenetic processes code the “Applications” that program and functionalize the DNA in time, context and space. The biochemical processes involved in epigenetic “programming: have been intensively studied in the last 5 decades and they include covalent modifications of the DNA sequence itself by DNA methylation and further oxidations of the methyl moiety, covalent modifications of histones and noncoding RNAs. Epigenetic programming regulates “cell differentiation” and specification during embryonal development. However, data that emerged in the last decade provides evidence for “epigenetic programming” by experience, particularly social experience. We will review data from rodents and nonhuman primates showing that maternal care affects long term phenotypes which are potentially mediated by DNA methylation. The impact of early life experience is not limited to the brain and affects the immune system as well as other tissues suggesting that social experience has a “system wide” impact on the developing animal. Human data from the Quebec ice storm of 1998 provides further evidence for the impact of early life stress on DNA methylation and its mediating effects on metabolic, immune and behavioral phenotypes. How does social experience which is registered in the brain impact such a wide panel of tissues? We tested the hypothesis that the glucocorticoid receptor might be mediating the impact of stress on DNA methylation. We show broad changes in DNA methylation in the placentae in pups with a heterozygous knockout of the nr3c1 gene encoding the glucocorticoid receptor. We will discuss implications for understanding the long-term implications of exposure to adversity and trauma at different points in life.
Life in the shadow of wars – four decades of research
Prof. Zahava Solomon
The Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
Email: solomon@tauex.tau.ac.il
Abstract:
The state of Israel was founded to provide a safe and secure homeland for the Jewish people. In its 72 years of existence, Israelis were, unfortunately exposed to seven wars and countless terrorist’s attacks. Trauma is therefore not merely an academic but rather an existential issue for Israelis. This unfortunate reality has turned Israel into a natural stress laboratory that enable systematic research on biopsychosocial effects traumatic stress on soldiers and civilians. In this lecture the observations and findings of 4 decades of systematic trauma research documenting the deep and enduring psychopathological as well as the salotogenic effects of wars on veterans will be presented. As the war does not end when the shootings stop its effects are carried from the front line to the home front. Consequently, traumatized veterans plight has a ripple and contagious effects traumatizing their spouses and offspring. Both primary and secondary trauma multifaceted manifestations and trajectories will be presented. Clinical ramifications and implications will be discussed.