Presenter
Cassandra Pinkowski
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by severe restriction of food intake leading to dangerous underweight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. AN symptoms and their related genes, as well as their transcription, can be explained by Epigenetics. AN is associated with nutrient deficiency, which causes hypermethylation of certain genes that cause common symptoms. Melanin-Concentrating hormone (MCH) binds to receptors in the brain that trigger expression of several genes, including both serotonin and oxytocin. When MCH is low, the genes responsible for appetite lowering, causing an individual to feel less hungry. High serotonin and oxytocin levels can contribute to symptoms such as; anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and perfectionism, which are all correlated with AN. Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a protein that is associated with cortisol production, weight regulation, and blood pressure. A decrease in MCH activation causes an increase in POMC production, leading to a dysregulation in its effects. With this, AN is associated with elevated production of the POMC protein. By understanding that AN is heavily influenced by Epigenetics, it can be less stigmatized and better understood by the public, leading to better medical treatment and care.
Faculty Mentor
Jonathan Noel, Ph.D., MPH
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Pinkowski, Cassandra, "Anorexia Nervosa in Epigenetics" (2026). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 328.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/328
