Figure 2.

Representation of the epigenetic modification in FKBP5. The single-nucleotide polymorphism rs1360780 which is close to a functional GRE in intron 2 constitutes the genetic predisposition for an increased FKBP5 transcriptional response to stress. Demethylation with higher cortisol levels is possibly restricted to certain developmental periods (e.g., childhood). The exposure to childhood trauma leads to an increased activation of FKBP5 due to a reduction in DNA methylation in SNP risk allele carriers. Adapted by permission from [Nature] [94].