including anger and reactions to anger in others, was recently published by University Ph.D. student Meghan Puglia.
DNA methylation allows cells to control gene expression and is variable in humans. The gene of interest, oxytocin receptor gene OXTR, codes for the receptor of a key biomarker called oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “trust” or “love” hormone.
Puglia — who has a background in autism research — was interested in the link between biology, the brain and behavior.
The research was conducted in collaboration with Psychology Asst. Profs. James Morris and Jessica Connelly, and Senior Research Specialist Travis Lillard.
The focus of the study was to establish a relationship between DNA methylation of OXTR and neural activity in response to emotional face processing. The study’s findings suggest that lower levels of methylation corresponded to lower brain response to anger and fear.
“Oxytocin lowers your response, so people that are better able to access their oxytocin by having lower methylation have a smaller response in their brain to angry or fearful faces,” Puglia said.
This research also seems to have significant evolutionary implications in relation to the anxiolytic, or calming, effects of oxytocin.
“When you think about what you need to approach someone, which our ancestors had to do to form groups allowing them to evolve into the humans we are, I need to not be afraid of you and first recognize you as friend or foe,” Puglia said. “Then I have to be able to overcome my initial fear and approach you to communicate and get resources from each other.”
Lower methylation levels of OXTR not only lead to a dampened emotional response, but also suggest a more efficient system for responding to angry and fearful faces. Ultimately, the goal is to fully understand how this mechanism influences overt behavior and may make people susceptible to diseases. Furthermore, the research may have bigger outcomes for people with psychological disorders.
“Potentially, one day down the road, methylation levels can be manipulated so we can identify some type of pharmaceutical intervention,” Puglia said. “If we know someone is at risk of developing autism we can potentially intervene at a very early stage so they might not even need medicine.”
There is potential for the development of a blood test that could predict how people would behave in certain social situations. The University played a key role in allowing for these discoveries.
“The resources here are unique, in particular in the labs because it’s a very collaborative environment,” Puglia said.
Read More
Board of Visitors’ Health System Board approves University Medical Center contracts and credentials
By Lexie Stadler | March 3, 2024The University requested approval from the Board on proposed contracts with Cardinal Health LLC, a pharmaceutical company that will provide CAR T-cell therapies — a therapy used to treat cancer.
Virginia Senate passes bill to legalize medically-assisted deaths in 21-19 vote
By Zackary Holt and Caroline Hagood | February 26, 2024The House, which also holds a democratic majority, has referred the bill to the Committee for Courts of Justice for further consideration.
U.Va. Remote Area Medical chapter focuses on increasing healthcare access
By Saumya Sharma | December 13, 2023RAM members volunteer at clinics across the Southeast to provide free healthcare to local communities.
