Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
03:19

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

Gene-environment interactions, folate metabolism and the embryonic nervous system

M Elizabeth Ross1

  • 1Laboratory of Neurogenetics & Development, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Systems Biology and Medicine
|September 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Neural tube defects (NTDs) like anencephaly and spina bifida arise from complex gene-environment interactions. Folic acid supplementation effectively reduces NTD occurrence, and systems-based approaches can personalize prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Genetics
  • Public health

Background:

  • Neural tube closure is crucial for embryonic development, forming the brain and spinal cord.
  • Defects lead to anencephaly and spina bifida, significant causes of child mortality and morbidity.
  • NTDs result from intricate gene-environment interactions, with systems-level understanding still developing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the evidence and scope of gene-environment interactions in NTD genesis.
  • To highlight the potential of a systems-based approach for studying NTD risk factors.
  • To explore personalized prevention strategies for NTDs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on neural tube defect etiology.
  • Analysis of gene-environment interactions in NTD development.
  • Discussion of systems-based research methodologies.

Main Results:

  • Folic acid supplementation in early pregnancy significantly reduces NTD incidence.
  • Complex interactions between genetic predispositions and environmental factors contribute to NTDs.
  • A systems-based approach offers a framework for deeper understanding.

Conclusions:

  • NTDs are multifactorial, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
  • Folic acid remains a key preventive measure for NTDs.
  • Future research utilizing systems biology can lead to personalized risk assessment and prevention of NTDs.

More Related Videos

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 105:44

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Published on: May 17, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype02:27

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Gene-Environment Interactions01:20

Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu01:29

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu

Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...