Epigenetic signatures may explain the relationship between socioeconomic position and risk of mental illness: preliminary findings from an urban community-based sample

Biodemography Soc Biol. 2013;59(1):68-84. doi: 10.1080/19485565.2013.774627.

Abstract

Low socioeconomic position (SEP) has previously been linked to a number of negative health indicators, including poor mental health. The biologic mechanisms linking SEP and mental health remain poorly understood. Recent work suggests that social exposures influence DNA methylation in a manner salient to mental health. We conducted a pilot investigation to assess whether SEP, measured as educational attainment, modifies the association between genomic methylation profiles and traumatic stress in a trauma-exposed sample. Results show that methylation × SEP interactions occur preferentially in genes pertaining to nervous system function, suggesting a plausible biological pathway by which SEP may enhance sensitivity to stress and, in turn, risk of posttraumatic stress disorder.[Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Biodemography and Social Biology for the following free supplemental resource: Supplementary tables of full model and functional annotation clustering results.].

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / genetics*
  • DNA Methylation / genetics*
  • Educational Status
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Epigenomics*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / genetics
  • Mental Health
  • Michigan
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Social Class*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / genetics*
  • Urban Population