Epigenetic marks as the link between environment and development: examination of the associations between attachment, socioeconomic status, and methylation of the SLC6A4 gene

Abstract

BackgroundEpigenetic processes act as a link between environment and individual development. This pilot study examined the association between socioeconomic status (SES), attachment, and methylation of the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4).MethodsAttachment classification and SLC6A4 methylation was determined in 100 late adolescents. We hypothesized that (1) SES would interact with methylation to predict higher unresolved loss (UL) or trauma scores on the Adult Attachment Interview; (2) across SES, participants with unresolved attachment would have lower levels of methylation than organized or secure participants; and (3) within the unresolved classification, SES would predict methylation.ResultsResults showed that lower methylation and low‐SES were associated with higher UL, and higher methylation and low‐SES were associated with higher unresolved trauma. Across SES, unresolved participants had lower levels of methylation than organized participants. Within the unresolved category, low‐SES unresolved participants had higher levels of methylation than mid/upper‐SES participants. SES was unrelated to methylation within the secure and organized categories.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the quality of attachment relationships may impact epigenetic processes.

Epigenetics Underlying Susceptibility and Resilience Relating to Daily Life Stress, Work Stress, and Socioeconomic Status

“…Integrating attachment variables into an analysis of SES and SLC6A4 promoter methylation in 100 adolescents, higher methylation and low SES were linked to higher reports of trauma (13). Within the group with unresolved attachment style, yet not in the groups with secure or organized attachment style, low SES was associated with increased methylation, implying that attachment security might act as a protective factor against the effects of low SES on SLC6A4 promoter methylation.…”

Autonomic nervous system functioning assessed during the still-face paradigm: A meta-analysis and systematic review of methods, approach and findings

“…These difficulties could explain why studies produce mixed results. * Proposal: Because the attachment relationship provides the primary environment in which the highly-plastic infant brain develops (Jones-Mason, Allen, Bush, & Hamilton, 2016;Kolb & Gibb, 2011), the most salient modifier for infant ANS function is likely the infantparent relationship. Parental sensitivity is a key starting point for studies seeking to understand differences ANS function.…”

From forensic epigenetics to forensic epigenomics: broadening DNA investigative intelligence

“…Following candidate gene approaches in multiple populations, SES-associated methylation was also reported in stress-related ( AVP , FKBP5 , OXTR ) and inflammation-related ( CCL1, CD1D , NFATC1 ) genes [ 163 , 164 ]. In another study, low-SES was also linked with altered methylation of the serotonin transporter gene [ 165 , 166 ]. Looking at global DNA methylation and job status in particular, manual workers demonstrated 24% global hypomethylation compared with non-manual workers [ 167 ].…”