Early-Life Adversity and Intergenerational Epigenetic Transmission of Trauma
About
This webinar, part of the ACEs Aware Science and Innovation Speaker Series, features Dr. Joanne Ryan, who will present on “Biological Embedding of Early-Life Adversity and a Scoping Review of the Evidence for Intergenerational Epigenetic Transmission of Stress and Trauma in Humans.” Dr. Ryan will provide an overview of studies that demonstrate the impact of early-life stress on DNA methylation and the biological transmission of stress across generations.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the role of stress as a major risk factor for a range of non-communicable diseases
- Explain how early-life adversity can become biologically embedded through epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation
- Discuss studies on the transmission of stress across generations via epigenetic changes, while differentiating between intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance
Professional Credit
- This activity provides the following types of credit: AMA, AAPA, APA, ANCC, ASWB, ABIM-MOC, ABP-MOC.
- 1.0 credits are available.
- Activity document
Featuring
Joanne Ryan, PhD is a professor and neuropsychiatric epidemiologist at the School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine at Monash University and heads a research program focused on the identification of factors that drive risk and resilience for neuropsychiatric disorders across the life-course. Dr. Ryan’s work includes elucidating the biological underpinnings of these disorders, identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of future risk, and developing targeted preventative interventions. She has more than 200 publications and leads several clinical trials and large-scale cohort studies, working with an extensive network of national and international collaborators.