Genomic and epigenetic research of childhood trauma.

Childhood Trauma (CT) is considered to be an important environmental risk factor for schizophrenia. Exposure to childhood trauma can cause immune system disorders, which affect the early development of the central nervous system and the susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, the mechanism of CT is unclear. Genes can be regulated through the activity of several noncoding RNA transcripts that act as fine-tuners and on-off switches of gene expression patterns. Among the noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been the most extensively studied. And human brain development is orchestrated by complex transcriptional programs, which are guided and reinforced by epigenetic modifications to DNA and histone proteins. DNA methylation is the most extensively studied epigenetic modification, having a key role in many important genomic regulatory processes. We aim to identify potential new molecular targets for antidepressant treatment and investigate epigenetic regulation of the earl-life environment.

Faculty Supervisor:

Turecki Gustavo

Student:

Partner:

The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

McGill University

Program: