{"id":1214,"date":"2023-10-19T19:06:02","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T19:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bcchrmicro.wpengine.com\/?page_id=1214"},"modified":"2026-03-16T19:18:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:18:26","slug":"human-social-epigenetics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bcchr.ca\/kobor-lab\/our-research\/human-social-epigenetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Human and Social Epigenetics"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t<\/span>\n\tKobor Lab<\/span><\/a><\/span>News<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n

Human and Social Epigenetics<\/h1><\/div>\n
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In one facet of our research program, we study human population epigenetics with the aim of deciphering the mechanisms by which environmental exposures and early-life experiences can get \u201cunder the skin\u201d to regulate gene activity and contribute to health and disease across the life course. This research aligns with the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, which postulates that the developmental period and early life are particularly sensitive periods during which temporary social or environmental triggers can influence physical and mental health for many years afterwards. Our findings support the model that early-life social and environmental factors, including stress and socioeconomic status, leave a biological footprint. We measure this biological embedding of early life exposures through epigenetic patterns and accompanying gene expression changes, many of which are maintained until adulthood and may influence future health. We have extensive interdisciplinary collaborations within the University of British Columbia (where Dr. Kobor leads the\u00a0Social Exposome Research Cluster<\/a>), across Canada, and around the world.<\/p>\n

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