Epigenetic Mechanisms Operative in the Brain: Autism and Schizophrenia

Akbarian will provide an overview of epigenetic mechanisms operative in the brain, how they are measured and their impact on brain function and behavior. Epigenetic markings such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and histone variants, in concert, define three-dimensional genome architectures inside the nucleus and serve as a ‘molecular bridge’ by which external (environmental) and internal factors mold and shape the genetic material throughout the brain and peripheral tissues over the entire lifespan. Epigenetic processes impacting the manifestations of schizophrenia and autism will be discussed.