34.1 genetic mutations and environmental factors that promote adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preclinical models

Developmental exposure to environmental neurotoxicants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Mechanistic studies have shown that PCBs alter calcium-dependent signaling pathways linked to activity-dependent dendritic growth. Mutations in calcium signaling molecules are associated with increased NDD risk, so we are using mouse models to test the hypothesis that heritable mutations that alter the fidelity of calcium signals influence neurodevelopmental outcomes after developmental PCB exposure.

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - September 30, 2019 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Kimberly P. Keil, Sunjay Sethi, Machelle D. Wilson, Jill L. Silverman, Isaac N. Pessah, Pamela J. Lein Source Type: research