Phenotypic plasticity: historical context, theories and DOHaD.
Joaci Pereira Dos Santos Júnior1, Osmar Henrique Dos Santos Júnior2, Eulália Rebeca Silva-Araujo3
1Graduate Program in Nutrition, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco 50670-420, Brazil; Studies in Nutrition and Phenotypic Plasticity Unit, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco 50670-420, Brazil.
Brain Research
|May 9, 2025
Summary
Early-life exposures significantly impact long-term health, influencing disease risk through phenotypic plasticity. Understanding these developmental origins is key for effective preventive health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Interdisciplinary science
- Developmental biology
- Public health
Background:
- The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept links early-life events to adult disease risk.
- Rooted in the Thrifty Phenotype hypothesis, DOHaD integrates historical and scientific thought.
- Phenotypic plasticity, the ability to adapt to environmental stimuli, is central to DOHaD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical evolution of phenotypic plasticity.
- To analyze its theoretical foundations and role in health and disease.
- To connect early-life exposures, plasticity, and disease risk for preventive strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review across evolutionary biology, genetics, and epigenetics.
- Examination of historical theories (Lamarck, Darwin, Mendel, Waddington).
- Synthesis of contemporary DOHaD perspectives.
Main Results:
- Early-life events can induce adaptations with potential long-term health consequences.
- Phenotypic plasticity explains how organisms respond to environmental cues during development.
- Individual variability in adaptive responses highlights biological complexity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding phenotypic plasticity is crucial for DOHaD research and preventive interventions.
- Targeted interventions can mitigate disease risks stemming from early-life exposures.
- Translating DOHaD findings into healthcare policy is essential for intergenerational health.
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