A therapeutic trip: From experience to epigenome with Dr. Candace Lewis

We are entering a new phase of understanding how our social environments affect our biology, particularly how they influence the genes involved in brain development and function. This knowledge helps us see how experiences like stress, trauma, and isolation can cause changes at the molecular level that may increase the risk of mental disorders. On the other hand, we're also exploring how positive experiences induced by psychedelics, which create feelings of unity and insight, might lead to beneficial molecular changes.

Most mental health disorders, whether psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, or neurodegenerative, arise from both genetic and environmental factors. Recognizing this, research now combines studies of these exposures with molecular biology to better understand how our behaviors and environments can directly impact our genetic expression, shedding light on why some people are more vulnerable to mental health issues. This field, known as behavioral epigenetics, explores how our experiences can shape our genetic makeup and influence our brain health.

In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Candace Lewis shares her insights into epigenetics, discussing how early life stress can affect gene regulation and how attachment and societal influences shape our biology. The conversation then turns to psychedelics, with Candace outlining the history and ongoing research into their potential as a therapeutic tool for mental health disorders. She explains the mechanics of psychedelic-assisted therapy and the importance of understanding its broader context.

We then chat about the therapeutic possibilities of psychedelics and their role in epigenetics, and the importance of creating a safe environment for individuals to explore their emotions and experiences with psychedelics. Candace draws parallels between acute stress and the psychedelic state, suggesting that research into psychedelics could reveal important information about the epigenetic changes they induce. Lastly, Candace also mentions the Psychedelic Genome Project and the significance of collecting data to advance the field.

Candace is currently the director of the BEAR Lab at Arizona State University aiming to acknowledge the harm caused by psychology and genetic sciences on minorly groups, increase diversity in training and study cohorts, and change policy to improve mental health for all.

In this episode of Everything Epigenetics, you’ll learn about: 

• The Brain, Epigenetics, & Altered states Research (BEAR) lab
• Complex relationships between experiences that shape cognition, mood, and behavior
• How stress, trauma, and lack of connection may lead to molecular changes that increase risk for mental disorders.
• Candace’s editorial: What is up with psychedelics anyway?
• How epigenetics shed light on psychedelic therapy
• MDMA-assisted therapy 
• DNA methylation of gene systems involved in addiction, cognition, stress, and immune function
• How DNA methylation is associated with MDMA-assisted therapy treatment response for severe PTSD
• The hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis
• Similarities between the acute stress response and the psychedelic state
• The psychedelic Genome Project (PGP)

Where to find Candace:
- ASU profile
- LinkedIn