Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C
07:13

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C

Published on: March 25, 2016

19.0K

Beyond maternal care: The effects of extra-maternal influences within the maternal environment on offspring

Samantha C Lauby1, Alison S Fleming2, Patrick O McGowan3

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, Scarborough, ON, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|April 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Early life experiences, including maternal care and environmental factors like temperature, significantly shape offspring neurodevelopment and behavior. Epigenetic mechanisms play a key role in these persistent developmental programming effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Early-life environment profoundly impacts offspring neuroendocrine function, neurotransmitter systems, and behavior.
  • Rodent models indicate maternal care influences offspring 'developmental programming' via epigenetic gene regulation.
  • Understanding epigenetic regulation is crucial for adaptation and altered developmental trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss non-maternal factors influencing offspring developmental programming.
  • To highlight early-life temperature variations and genotype x environment interactions as key influences.
  • To provide recommendations for future research on early-life influences on brain and behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Review of accumulating evidence, including the authors' research.
  • Focus on epigenetic regulation as a biological mechanism.
  • Analysis of genotype x environment interactions and temperature variations.

Main Results:

  • Early-life maternal care is a significant factor in developmental programming.
  • Non-maternal factors, such as temperature and genotype, also exert direct or interactive influences.
  • These early-life factors lead to persistent changes in offspring brain and behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Early-life maternal care and extra-maternal influences are critical for long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Future research should investigate the interplay of these factors.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is key to addressing developmental alterations.

Keywords:
Developmental programmingEpigeneticsExtra-maternal influencesGene-environment interactionsMaternal careNeurodevelopment

More Related Videos

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using PolyI:C to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring09:09

Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using PolyI:C to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring

Published on: August 17, 2022

2.0K
Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model04:20

Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model

Published on: July 12, 2024

2.1K

Related Concept Videos

Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences01:28

Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences

Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...
114
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children...
571
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...
1.0K
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...
779
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs01:23

Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs

Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
726
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
508