AUTHOR=Arzate-Mejía Rodrigo G. , Lottenbach Zuzanna , Schindler Vincent , Jawaid Ali , Mansuy Isabelle M. 

TITLE=Long-Term Impact of Social Isolation and Molecular Underpinnings

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Genetics

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2020

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2020.589621

DOI=10.3389/fgene.2020.589621

ISSN=1664-8021

ABSTRACT=Prolonged periods of social isolation can have major detrimental effects on the physiology and behavior of social animals, however, their underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the acute and lasting effects of prolonged periods of social isolation with a focus on the molecular events leading to behavioral alterations. We highlight the increasingly recognized role of epigenetic mechanisms and non-coding RNA in the control of gene expression as a response to social isolation and provide a cautionary tale on the indiscriminate implementation of strict quarantines during epidemics that might lead to prolonged periods of social isolation, and potentially, detrimental and lasting effects in metal health.