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Published on: May 12, 2015
Molecular mechanisms underlying the models of neurodevelopmental disorders in maternal immune activation relevant to
Tsuyoshi Tsukada1,2, Hiroki Shimada1,3, Hiromi Sakata-Haga1
1Department of Anatomy, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan.
Insights
Maternal infection during pregnancy may increase autism risk by altering fetal brain development. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms, particularly the placenta's role, in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) necessitates understanding molecular mechanisms.
- Epidemiological studies link maternal infection in mid-pregnancy to increased neurodevelopmental disorder risk in offspring.
- Maternal immune activation (MIA) models provide evidence for these associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders linked to MIA.
- To highlight the specific role of the placenta in fetal brain development during MIA.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on MIA models.
- Focus on molecular pathways and placental function.
Main Results:
- MIA induces changes in offspring brain structure, function, and behavior.
- Specific molecular mechanisms connecting MIA to improper brain development are being elucidated.
- The placenta plays a critical role in mediating MIA effects on fetal brain development.
Conclusions:
- Understanding MIA's molecular pathways is crucial for addressing neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further research into the placenta's role can identify therapeutic targets.
Abstract:
The rapid rise in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other psychiatric disorders displaying similar traits has increased the need to elucidate their molecular mechanisms. Epidemiological studies have shown that maternal infection during mid-pregnancy is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD in offspring. Using maternal infection models, researchers have gathered evidence relevant to such disorders. A comprehensive summary of the changes in the brain structure, function, and behavior in offspring induced by maternal immune activation (MIA) has been reported. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the association between MIA and improper brain development, which ultimately lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, have not been fully reviewed. This paper summarizes the currently known molecular mechanisms associated with the MIA model, with a special focus on the role of the placenta in fetal brain development.
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