FIGURE 3—

RNA as a molecular medium of recursive development.

Note. Social conditions at one point in time (Environment₁) are transduced into changes in behavior (Behavior₁) and gene expression (RNA₁) via central nervous system perceptual processes that trigger systemic neural and endocrine responses (mediated by Body₁). Those RNA transcriptional dynamics may alter molecular characteristics of cells involved in environmental perception or response, resulting in a functionally altered Body₂. Body₂ may respond differently to a given environmental challenge than would the previous Body₁, resulting in different behavioral (Behavior₂) and RNA transcriptional responses (RNA₂). The persisting effect of RNA transcriptional dynamics on cellular protein and functional characteristics provides a molecular framework for understanding how socioenvironmental conditions in the past may continue to affect current behavior and health and how those historical conditions interact with current environments to shape one’s future trajectories (e.g., Body₃, Behavior₃, RNA₃). Because gene transcription serves as both a cause of social behavior (by shaping Body) and a consequence of social behavior (a product of environment × body), RNA constitutes the physical medium for a recursive developmental trajectory that integrates genetic characteristics and historical–environmental regulators to understand individual biological and behavioral responses to current environmental conditions.