Early struggles help shape DNA

Living conditions of early childhood provoke biological changes in genes leading to DNA memory that can last a lifetime, an international study found.

But a study published online Thursday in the International Journal of Epidemiology suggests that early experience is more than skin deep. Early environment influences brain and biological development and leaves a "memory" in the genetic code that affects the way genes function, say researchers from McGill University, the University of British Columbia and the UCL Institute of Child Health in London, England.

The team looked at DNA samples of men aged 45 who came from two economic extremes: children whose fathers were either unskilled workers or company CEOs and Oxford/Cambridge graduates.

After looking at control areas of 20,000 genes, researchers found twice as many genetic differences in those brought up in wealth and comfort, making a link between the economics of early life and the biochemistry of DNA.

Researchers found 1,252 differences in high income backgrounds compared to 545 changes. The differences in genetic imprinting that affected gene functioning, however, was not seen in participants who changed their social status.

"What we saw, the biggest thing, was the status you were in early childhood, age zero to 7 - and that was stronger than upward or downward social mobility," he said.

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