Early Brain Development Changes May Reveal Causes of Autism and Schizophrenia

Recent research from the University of Exeter has developed a comprehensive map of how DNA chemical modifications evolve during human brain development and aging. These findings shed light on potential origins of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. The study focused on epigenetic changes—chemical tags on DNA that regulate gene activity—particularly DNA methylation. By analyzing nearly 1,000 postmortem human brains from six weeks post-conception to 108 years old, the researchers examined the cortex, a critical brain region involved in complex functions like cognition, memory, and perception.

The study, published in Cell Genomics, illustrates that DNA methylation undergoes significant changes before birth, activating essential biological processes necessary for cortical formation. Moreover, neurons acquire distinct methylation patterns early in development, differentiating them from other brain cells. Notably, genes associated with autism and schizophrenia experience especially dynamic methylation shifts during crucial developmental windows, suggesting their fundamental role in cortical development and the potential impact of disruptions in these processes.

Alice Franklin, the study’s lead author, emphasized that analyzing DNA's chemical modifications across the lifespan provides key insights into why neurodevelopmental conditions might develop, highlighting their roots in early brain development. Professor Jonathan Mill pointed out that understanding these epigenetic mechanisms offers a clearer picture of brain formation and how variations across different cell types can influence neurodevelopmental disorders.

This research underscores the importance of epigenetic regulation in creating diverse brain cell types and may pave the way for new approaches to understand and potentially mitigate conditions like autism and schizophrenia.