Scientists have discovered a possible link between epigenetic changes in the placenta and the origins of schizophrenia. According to the “neurodevelopmental hypothesis,” schizophrenia originates during fetal brain development, shaped by genetic risk factors and prenatal conditions.
A recent study published in Nature Communications analyzed DNA from 368 placenta samples and found that specific epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, can affect gene expression. The researchers identified over 214,000 stretches of DNA in the placenta where DNA methylation takes place, many of which are involved in immune responses.
The study suggests that changes in placental function can influence fetal brain development and increase the risk of psychiatric disorders later in life. If confirmed, this finding could enhance scientists’ understanding of how certain psychiatric disorders start to take root before birth.
While further research is necessary to substantiate these findings, the study provides a new potential explanation for the link between prenatal conditions and schizophrenia. The authors propose that identifying risk factors at the prenatal stage could lead to interventions and personalized preventive strategies.
The discovery highlights the importance of epigenetic modifications in fetal development and their potential role in shaping brain function and behavior.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/origins-of-schizophrenia-linked-to-epigenetics-of-the-placenta