Over the last two decades my research team has been investigating the mechanisms underlying vulnerability to mental disorders resulting from early life stress in preclinical models. Our research has focused on the role of epigenetic factors in brain development and behaviour and indicated neurotrophic factors as key transducers of the adverse effects of early stressful experiences on brain plasticity. With a multidisciplinary approach we explore the role of lifestyle, dietary and social factors in determining stress resilience and in shaping the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying it. We are currently investigating how stressors, such as altered diet or psychosocial stress, during gestation can have adverse consequences on brain development. In preclinical studies and clinical cohorts we assess epigenetic markers, neuroimmune regulations and microbiota signatures to derive common mechanisms and novel targets for prevention and treatment.