A Genome Model to Explain Major Features of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Newborns

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Microbiology

Background:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders are often associated with chromosomal anomalies.
• The role of external factors, such as infections, in causing these anomalies is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that infections are linked to chromosomal anomalies causing neurodevelopmental disorders.
• To compare chromosomal anomalies in affected children with foreign DNA sequences, including teratogens.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of polyfunctional gene clusters (neurons, immunity, circulation, etc.) in neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Comparison of human DNA sequences with foreign DNA, including microbial DNA, to identify homologies and deletions.
• Examination of data from three independent studies on chromosomal rearrangements and microbiome homology.

Main Results:

• Deletions and rearrangements in polyfunctional clusters were observed in neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Specific human DNA sequences with large deletions matched infection patterns.
• Massive changes in human DNA-foreign DNA homology and microbiome homology were found, potentially driving rearrangements.

Conclusions:

• Foreign microbial DNA may interfere with the human epigenome and recombination during meiosis, leading to chromosomal anomalies.
• These anomalies can cause neurodevelopmental and other disorders.
• Screening for infection homology in epigenomes could aid in diagnosis and prevention.