Methylation matters: FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5) methylation moderates the associations of FKBP5 genotype and resistant attachment with stress regulation

Rosa Mulder, Jolien Rijlaarsdam, Pieternel Luijk, Frank Verhulst, Janine Felix, Henning Tiemeier, Marian J. Bakermans-Kranenburg*, Marinus IJzendoorn*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

The parent–child attachment relationship plays an important role in the development of the infant’s stress regulation system. However, genetic and epigenetic
factors such as FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5) genotype and DNA methylation have also been associated with hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal
axis functioning. In the current study, we examined how parent–child dyadic regulation works in concert with genetic and epigenetic aspects of stress
regulation. We study the associations of attachment, extreme maternal insensitivity, FKBP5 single nucleotide polymorphism 1360780, and FKBP5
methylation, with cortisol reactivity to the Strange Situation Procedure in 298 14-month-old infants. The results indicate that FKBP5 methylation moderates
the associations of FKBP5 genotype and resistant attachment with cortisol reactivity. We conclude that the inclusion of epigenetics in the field of
developmental psychopathology may lead to a more precise picture of the interplay between genetic makeup and parenting in shaping stress reactivity.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)491-503
Number of pages13
JournalDevelopment & Psychopathology
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Apr 2017

Research programs

  • ESSB PED
  • EMC MM-04-54-08-A
  • EMC OR-01

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