Molecular Imprints of Social Adversity Across the Lifecourse

This presentation will focus on examining the evidence for the biologic embedding of stress and trauma, much (but not all) of which is shaped by socioeconomic variation. It will also provide an overview of the lasting biologic residues of low early-life socioeconomic status (SES). For both topics, Dr. Uddin will focus on how epigenetic mechanisms—i.e. modifiable molecular factors that regulate gene function, without changing DNA sequences—can serve as a bridge to understanding how adverse experiences, including low SES, can have biologic consequences that persist across the lifecourse.