Capute and Accardo's Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in Infancy and Childhood – Chapter 4: Epigenetics in neurodevelopmental disabilities

In recent years, epigenetics has emerged as an important area of biology, shedding light on the intricate interplay between genetics and the environment and differential expression of genes in shaping an individual’s traits and characteristics. This chapter delves into the role of epigenetics in neurodevelopmental disabilities by providing an in-depth overview of the field, discussing key epigenetic mechanisms, and exploring their influence on neurodevelopment and behavior. In addition, the chapter examines how epigenetics serves as a mechanism by which environmental stimuli contribute to neurodevelopmental disabilities, outlines various epigenetic disorders including key examples of imprinting disorders and Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery, and discusses the potential of epigenetic-based therapeutics for treating neurodevelopmental disabilities.