Gene expression

Methylation

Histone modification

 RNA regulators

Drug effects

Gene Expression

Gene expression can be determined by methylation, histone modification and RNA regulators (see epigenetics) and is important as the stepping stone between the genome and proteome – what a gene codes for as opposed to what, and whether a protein is made as a result.

The brain, its development, activity and health are all subject to the effects of gene expression. Many studies have revealed these connections. For example, specific epigenetic markers on the brain were found in victims of child abuse who committed suicide compared to suicide victims who had not experienced child abuse. Another finding was higher methylation of genes responsible for rRNA (ribosomal RNA) which makes ribosomes which make proteins. This results in less protein being made in the hippocampus part of the brain of people who also committed suicide before a separate study.