Genome, environment and plasticity of the brain underlying individual adaptation
Paunio, T.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 127(24): 2608-2613
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 22320103 Document Number: 649474
Epigenetic mechanisms mediate the interaction between environment and genome. On molecular level, these mechanisms are active in plastic processes of the brain and influence brain function and the person's ability to adapt to the environment. Genomic variations provide individual options for this adaptation, and a spectrum of behavioral patterns necessary for species preservation. Adaptation processes may also be harmful in respect of individual health, leading even to psychiatric illnesses, but are still meaningful as seen through the person's inner experience, genome or environment.