Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Isabella Lucia Chiara Mariani Wigley, Eleonora Mascheroni, Denis Peruzzo, Roberto Giorda, Sabrina Bonichini, Rosario Montirosso
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the role of DNA methylation in neural cell fate, focusing on the link between DNA methylation, neuroimaging data, early life stress, and behavioral outcomes. Results showed associations between DNA methylation and brain structure/functions in individuals with adverse early life experiences, with various genes and neuroimaging techniques being investigated. Statistical models used ranged from correlational to moderated mediation models, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interaction between DNA methylation, neural correlates, early life stress, and behavioral outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Emily B. Hill, Iain R. Konigsberg, Diana Ir, Daniel N. Frank, Purevsuren Jambal, Elizabeth M. Litkowski, Ethan M. Lange, Leslie A. Lange, Danielle M. Ostendorf, Jared J. Scorsone, Liza Wayland, Kristen Bing, Paul S. Maclean, Edward L. Melanson, Daniel H. Bessesen, Victoria A. Catenacci, Maggie A. Stanislawski, Sarah J. Borengasser
Summary: The associations among gut microbiota, DNA methylation, and diet were evaluated in individuals undergoing a weight loss intervention. The study found that gut microbes associated with mucin degradation, short-chain fatty acid production, and body weight were linked to DNA methylation of phenotypically relevant genes. This offers initial insights into the possible mechanisms by which alterations in gut microbiota may influence metabolism during weight loss.
Article
Neurosciences
Antonella Pisera-Fuster, Jean Zwiller, Ramon Bernabeu
Summary: This study found that oral L-methionine supplementation reduces nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and drug reward-related behaviors in zebrafish, possibly by influencing DNA methylation processes. The upregulation of DNA methyltransferases and histone methyltransferases, along with the downregulation of certain genes, were associated with this effect. Overall, these findings suggest that L-methionine may be a potential therapeutic drug for treating nicotine addiction.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Wubin Ding, Diljeet Kaur, Steve Horvath, Wanding Zhou
Summary: Researchers have developed informatics infrastructure and methods for DNA methylation analysis in multiple species, including domesticated animals and laboratory mice. They have created a data-driven analysis pipeline for species inference, genome-specific data preprocessing, and regression modeling. Comparative analysis has revealed the dynamics of epigenome evolution in different genomic territories and tissue types, and specific methylation differences related to mouse strain phenotypes have been identified. These methods expand epigenome research to a wide range of species by streamlining DNA methylation array analysis for undesigned genomes.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Isabella Loughland, Alexander Little, Frank Seebacher
Summary: The study reveals that DNMT3a plays a key role in regulating developmental thermal plasticity, and the phenotypic effects of different DNMT3a isoforms are additive. However, DNMT3a interacts with other mechanisms, such as histone (de)acetylation, induced during short-term acclimation to buffer phenotypes from environmental change. These interactions make phenotypic compensation for climate change more efficient.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eshaan Patnaik, Chikezie Madu, Yi Lu
Summary: Epigenetics plays a crucial role in gene regulation and tumor development. DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors can restore normal gene expression and be effective against cancer. Understanding epigenetic modifications and utilizing inhibitors offer new possibilities for cancer research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simeon Santourlidis, Wolfgang A. Schulz, Marcos J. Arauzo-Bravo, Daniela Gerovska, Pauline Ott, Marcelo L. Bendhack, Mohamed Hassan, Lars Erichsen
Summary: Epigenetic mechanisms play a fundamental role in the initiation and development of melanoma, but research in this area is relatively limited compared to other cancers. This review provides a brief summary of the epigenetic aspects relevant to melanoma pathogenesis and introduces new perspectives from epigenetic research in other cancers that may have potential for melanoma diagnosis and therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Laura Bordoni, Anna M. Malinowska, Irene Petracci, Artur Szwengiel, Rosita Gabbianelli, Agata Chmurzynska
Summary: This study explores the potential association between TMA metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics, providing a new avenue for further research.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maja Srut
Summary: The effect of environmental pollutants on epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, is a major concern in ecotoxicology. Earthworms have been widely used as models to study the impact of environmental stress on epigenetic mechanisms and to explore the possibility of epigenetic inheritance. However, there are still many knowledge gaps that need to be filled in.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arce Domingo-Relloso, Anne Bozack, Samara Kiihl, Zulema Rodriguez-Hernandez, Pilar Rentero-Garrido, J. Antonio Casasnovas, Montserrat Leon-Latre, Tamara Garcia-Barrera, J. Luis Gomez-Ariza, Belen Moreno, Ana Cenarro, Griselda de Marco, Faruque Parvez, Abu B. Siddique, Hasan Shahriar, Mohammad N. Uddin, Tariqul Islam, Ana Navas-Acien, Mary Gamble, Maria Tellez-Plaza
Summary: The study identified common 5-hmC and 5-mC signatures in two populations exposed to varying levels of inorganic As, but differences in As-related epigenetic sites across the study populations may also reflect low and high As-specific associations. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of potential epigenetic dysregulations of As, with further research needed to confirm biological consequences associated with DIP2C epigenetic regulation and investigate the role of 5-hmC and 5-mC separately in As-induced health disorders at different exposure levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Ehsan Pishva, Daniel L. A. van den Hove, Valentin Laroche, Aneth Lvovs, Arunima Roy, Gabriela Ortega, Joe Burrage, Toomas Veidebaum, Margus Kanarik, Jonathan Mill, Klaus-Peter Lesch, Jaanus Harro
Summary: This study suggests that DNA methylation levels may play a crucial role in the development of aggressive behavior. The researchers identified specific methylated sites and regions that are associated with aggressive behavior, as well as their connections with cognitive function, education level, and cholesterol levels. Importantly, they found a high level of consistency in DNAm patterns between adolescence and adulthood, which may have predictive value for future aggressive behavior.
JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhenhui Zhong, Suhua Feng, Sascha H. Duttke, Magdalena E. Potok, Yiwei Zhang, Javier Gallego-Bartolom, Wanlu Liu, Steven E. Jacobsen
Summary: DNA methylation influences chromatin accessibility, particularly in heterochromatin, in plants. Different sequence contexts of DNA methylation interact with each other, and methylation can impact chromatin structure through mechanisms other than transcription. Increased chromatin accessibility is associated with enhanced long-range chromatin interactions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Man Ni, Yuting Chen, Xiaoya Sun, Yujie Deng, Xinqi Wang, Tao Zhang, Ye Wu, Lingxiang Yu, Shenqian Xu, Haiyang Yu, Zongwen Shuai, Faming Pan
Summary: The methylation patterns of IRF5 promoter are associated with susceptibility to AS, and may play a role in the pathological process and identification of AS patients.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shirong Wang, Lin Zha, Xin Cui, Yu-Te Yeh, Ruochuan Liu, Jia Jing, Huidong Shi, Weiping Chen, John Hanover, Jun Yin, Liqing Yu, Bingzhong Xue, Hang Shi
Summary: DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism. High-fat diet induces increased DNA methylation at the Klb promoter, leading to decreased Klb expression and hepatic steatosis. Targeted demethylation at the Klb promoter can increase Klb expression and fatty acid oxidation, resulting in reduced lipid accumulation.
Review
Physiology
Myriam Hemberger, Wendy Dean
Summary: The placenta is a unique organ system that combines maternal and fetal cell types with distinct lineage origins. It not only supplies nutrients to the fetus but also plays a pivotal role in directing proper organ formation. Understanding placental development and function is essential for pregnancy outcome and lifelong health.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elisa Roberti, Roberta Giacchero, Serena Grumi, Giacomo Biasucci, Laura Cuzzani, Lidia Decembrino, Maria Luisa Magnani, Mario Motta, Renata Nacinovich, Camilla Pisoni, Barbara Scelsa, Livio Provenzi
Summary: This study aimed to assess anxiety levels and parenting stress among expectant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and examine the moderating effect of home-visiting sessions. The results showed that higher anxiety levels at delivery were correlated with greater perceived stress after 3 months, and mothers who received home-visiting sessions reported lower parenting stress at that time.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Livio Provenzi, Elisa Roberti, Elena Capelli
Summary: From the very beginning of their life, human beings are immersed in a social and interactive environment that shapes their social and cognitive development. To understand this bidirectional relationship with the social environment, a complexity-sensitive approach is needed in neuroscience. Recent advances in hyperscanning techniques have highlighted similar patterns of brain activity in adult-child dyads, providing valuable insights for developmental research. The application of hyperscanning to atypical and clinical populations can inform family-centered care for children and their parents.
SOCIAL COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Psychiatry
Chiara Rogantini, Livio Provenzi, Renato Borgatti, Martina Mensi
Summary: This study investigated differences in self-disclosed behavioral problems among psychotic, clinically high-risk, and non-psychotic adolescents. The results showed that non-psychotic adolescents reported lower behavioral problem scores compared to the other two groups. In the clinically high-risk group, female adolescents reported higher risk of behavioral problems.
ANNALS OF GENERAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Giorgia Baradel, Livio Provenzi, Matteo Chiappedi, Marika Orlandi, Arianna Vecchio, Renato Borgatti, Martina Maria Mensi
Summary: The quality of family interactions is found to be a crucial factor in restrictive eating disorders. This study explores the association between adolescent patients' interactive behaviors observed in the family and the severity of their eating disorders and interpersonal problems. It suggests that better organization and affective contact during family interactions are correlated with lower severity of restrictive eating disorders and fewer interpersonal problems.
Editorial Material
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Livio Provenzi, Monica Gori, Laura Maffongelli, Sabrina Signorini
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah Nazzari, Serena Grumi, Giacomo Biasucci, Lidia Decembrino, Elisa Fazzi, Roberta Giacchero, Maria Luisa Magnani, Renata Nacinovich, Barbara Scelsa, Arsenio Spinillo, Elena Capelli, Elisa Roberti, Livio Provenzi, MOM-COPE Study Grp
Summary: This study suggests that prenatal maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic might have increased the risk of an altered socio-cognitive development in infants as assessed through an observational paradigm at 12 months. Special preventive attention should be devoted to infants born during the pandemic.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Greta Castellini, Marta Acampora, Livio Provenzi, Lucia Cagliero, Luigi Lucini, Serena Barello
Summary: Individual health-related behavior is a significant factor affecting both climate change and chronic disease and understanding the underlying factors of behavior change is important to promote sustainable and healthy lifestyles. This study examines the relationship between health consciousness and pro-environmental behavior. The results show that individuals with higher health consciousness are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Livio Provenzi, Giorgia Bussu, Valentina Riva
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Sarah Nazzari, Serena Grumi, Fabiana Mambretti, Marco Villa, Roberto Giorda, Matteo Bordoni, Orietta Pansarasa, Renato Borgatti, Livio Provenzi
Summary: Maternal antenatal anxiety is a risk factor for child emotional development, and both sex and DNA methylation may contribute to this association. This study found that higher maternal antenatal anxiety was associated with greater negative emotionality in 6-month-old infants. Additionally, the methylation of the BDNF gene was found to mediate this effect in males but not in females. These findings have implications for promoting emotional well-being in mothers and infants.
DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Elena Capelli, Giorgia Anceresi, Serena Grumi, Livio Provenzi
Summary: Maternal bonding is crucial for infant development and well-being. This study examines the impact of maternal mental health and infant temperament on postnatal bonding, as well as the stability and factors influencing changes in bonding from 3 to 6 months of age. The findings highlight the importance of both maternal mental health and infant temperament in maternal postnatal bonding and provide valuable information for early childhood prevention and care.
INFANT BEHAVIOR & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Nazzari, Lucia Cagliero, Serena Grumi, Enrico Pisoni, Giulia Mallucci, Roberto Bergamaschi, Julia Maccarini, Roberto Giorda, Livio Provenzi
Summary: Antenatal exposures to maternal stress and PM2.5 can affect the developmental outcomes of infants. This study investigated the independent and interactive influence of maternal stress and PM2.5 on DNA methylation levels in the SLC6A4 gene in newborns. Higher levels of SLC6A4 DNAm were found in newborns born to mothers with higher levels of PRS and greater PM2.5 exposure, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Arianna Vecchio, Elisa Roberti, Sayreth Giovannetti Pulido, Marika Orlandi, Livio Provenzi, Martina Mensi
Summary: The Rorschach inkblot test is widely used in clinical psychology and psychiatry to access psychological processes that are not easily captured by self-report measures. Research on the neural correlates of the test using fMRI, EEG, and fNIRS has provided valuable insights into the underlying perceptual-cognitive processes and potential neuroimaging markers of psychopathology risk. This paper systematizes the available literature on the topic and summarizes the findings on the visual, social, and emotional processes related to the Rorschach inkblot test.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Correction
Neurosciences
Elisa Roberti, Elena Capelli, Livio Provenzi
SOCIAL COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Giulia Cossu, Arianna Vecchio, Marika Orlandi, Erica Casini, Renato Borgatti, Martina Maria Mensi
Summary: Suicide is an important public health issue. A study found that adolescents with a history of suicidal attempts faced greater difficulties in social relations, risky behaviors, and had more intense suicidal ideation compared to those with suicidal ideation only. The use of MMPI-A to assess certain features may help identify young people at high risk of suicide.
Article
Pediatrics
Luigi Gagliardi, Serena Grumi, Marzia Gentile, Roberta Cacciavellani, Giulia Placidi, Angelina Vaccaro, Claudia Maggi, Beatrice Gambi, Letizia Magi, Laura Crespin, Graziano Memmini, Marcello DeFilippo, Elena Verucci, Liliana Malandra, Laura Mele, Angelo Azzara, Livio Provenzi
Summary: This study investigated the potential mental health risks faced by healthcare professionals working in neonatal units during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that healthcare professionals displayed symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic symptoms, fatigue, and depression. Pandemic-related stress was significantly associated with these mental health outcomes, with female healthcare professionals at a greater risk for anxiety and male healthcare professionals and nurses at a greater risk for depression.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
