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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
10:47
Rapid Detection of Neurodevelopmental Phenotypes in Human Neural Precursor Cells (NPCs)
Published on: March 2, 2018
Fetal mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Susan L Connors1, Pat Levitt, Stephen G Matthews
1Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Pediatric Neurology
|February 19, 2008
Summary
Disordered central nervous system development can arise from prenatal factors affecting the fetal environment. These early disruptions can lead to long-term physiological and behavioral issues, potentially impacting future generations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Normal central nervous system (CNS) development is a complex process during gestation.
- Neurodevelopmental disorders can stem from genetic and environmental factors impacting the fetal-maternal environment.
- Prenatal factors can alter fetal neurodevelopmental processes like cell programming and oligodendrocyte maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how prenatal factors modify fetal neurodevelopment.
- To understand the long-term physiological and behavioral consequences of altered fetal development.
- To highlight the potential for transgenerational effects of prenatal disruptions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on fetal neurodevelopment.
- Analysis of factors influencing neurodevelopment, including stress, endocrine disruptors, pesticides (e.g., chlorpyrifos), drugs (e.g., terbutaline), maternal alleles, and premature birth.
- Examination of how altered prenatal mechanisms affect CNS function and form.
Main Results:
- Altered fetal neurodevelopmental mechanisms can significantly impact long-term CNS function and behavior, often more than structure.
- Prenatal insults can lead to delayed manifestation of neurodevelopmental disorder signs.
- Effects of altered fetal neurodevelopment may extend across generations.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal factors represent a diverse set of influences on neurodevelopment.
- Understanding the mechanisms of altered prenatal development is crucial for addressing neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate how prenatal alterations lead to disordered development with delayed onset.
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