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Brain development in the fetus, neonate and infant
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Berne, Switzerland.
Biology of the Neonate
|January 1, 1988
Summary
This study reviews key events in structural brain development, highlighting how genetic factors interact with environmental influences to shape the developing brain from neuronal induction to myelination.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Structural brain development involves eight distinct yet interconnected events.
- These events are primarily regulated by genetic mechanisms.
- Epigenetic and environmental factors also play a crucial role in modulating development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental events in structural brain development.
- To explore the interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
- To synthesize findings from animal experiments and human fetal development studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on animal experiments.
- Analysis of research on human fetal brain development.
- Synthesis of data from multiple authors.
Main Results:
- Identified eight key stages: neuronal induction, proliferation, migration, aggregation, differentiation, death, synapse elimination, and myelination.
- Confirmed genetic determination of basic developmental mechanisms.
- Demonstrated modulation of genetic regulation by epigenetic and environmental factors.
Conclusions:
- Structural brain development is a complex, multi-stage process.
- A sophisticated interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and environment orchestrates brain formation.
- Further research integrating these factors is essential for understanding neurodevelopmental processes.