Scientists at the University of Exeter have made an important discovery about how the human brain develops from the earliest stages of life through old age.
Their research has revealed a detailed timeline of chemical changes that happen to DNA as the brain grows and matures. The findings may help explain why some people develop conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
The study focuses on a field of science called epigenetics. Epigenetics looks at how chemical marks attached to DNA can control how genes work.
These changes do not alter the DNA code itself. Instead, they act like switches that turn genes on or off at different times. This process is very important because genes control how brain cells develop, communicate, and perform their specific functions.
One of the main epigenetic processes examined in the research is called DNA methylation. In this process, small chemical groups called methyl groups attach to DNA. These tiny changes may sound simple, but they can strongly influence how genes behave. Scientists believe DNA methylation plays a major role in helping the brain develop properly.
To better understand these changes, the researchers studied almost 1,000 donated human brains. The samples covered an extremely wide age range, from only six weeks after conception all the way to 108 years old.
By studying brains across the full human lifespan, the scientists were able to build a clearer picture of how DNA methylation changes over time.
The team focused on a part of the brain called the cortex. The cortex is one of the most important regions of the human brain. It helps control thinking, learning, memory, behavior, language, emotions, and how people understand the world around them. Problems in this area are often linked to many neurological and mental health conditions.
The study, published in the journal Cell Genomics, showed that DNA methylation changes very rapidly before birth.
This period is one of the most important stages in brain development because the brain is growing quickly and forming complex networks of cells. During this time, genes must be turned on and off in very precise ways so the brain can develop normally.
The researchers found that neurons, which are the cells responsible for sending signals throughout the brain, begin developing their own unique DNA methylation patterns very early in life.
These patterns were different from those seen in other types of brain cells. This finding suggests that brain cells specialize much earlier than scientists previously understood.
One of the most important discoveries involved genes connected to autism and schizophrenia. The researchers observed major changes in DNA methylation affecting these genes during early brain development.
This suggests that if these chemical changes do not happen correctly, they may contribute to the development of neurodevelopmental conditions.
The findings support the idea that the roots of disorders such as autism and schizophrenia may begin very early in life, possibly even before birth. Scientists have long suspected that these conditions are linked to early brain development, but the new research provides stronger evidence showing how changes to gene activity may be involved.
Alice Franklin, one of the researchers involved in the study, explained that the work provides valuable clues about why neurodevelopmental conditions occur. She said the chemical changes found in DNA appear to play a major role in shaping how the brain develops over time.
Professor Jonathan Mill, who led the research team, said the findings help scientists better understand how the brain is built and how different brain cells are formed. According to him, creating this timeline of epigenetic changes gives researchers a much clearer picture of human brain development.
The research may also help future scientists investigate why some people are more vulnerable to mental health conditions than others. While the study does not directly lead to new treatments yet, it creates an important foundation for future work.
By understanding when and how these DNA changes occur, scientists may eventually discover ways to identify risks earlier or develop better treatments for disorders linked to brain development.
In recent years, researchers have become increasingly interested in the role of epigenetics in human health.
Unlike genetic mutations, which permanently change DNA, epigenetic changes can sometimes be influenced by environmental factors such as stress, nutrition, pollution, illness, and experiences during pregnancy. This has raised important questions about how a person’s environment may affect brain development.
Scientists are still working to fully understand how genetics, epigenetics, and environmental influences interact with each other.
Conditions such as autism and schizophrenia are very complex and likely involve many different factors working together. However, studies like this are helping researchers move closer to understanding the biological processes involved.
The findings also highlight the importance of brain research using donated tissue samples. Without donated brains covering different ages, it would be impossible to track how these chemical changes develop across the human lifespan. The researchers said these donations are extremely valuable for improving scientific understanding of the brain.
Overall, the study shows that tiny chemical tags attached to DNA may have a major influence on how the human brain develops from the earliest stages of life. When these processes work properly, they help build healthy brain cells and networks.
But when they go wrong, they may contribute to serious neurological and mental health conditions. Scientists hope that continued research into these hidden DNA changes will eventually lead to better ways to understand, prevent, and treat disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
If you care about autism, please read studies about food additives and ADHD, and natural fixes for ADHD.
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