The Role of Environmental Chemical Exposures in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a broad range of neurological conditions characterised by the progressive dysfunction and loss of neurons in the central and/or peripheral nervous systems. Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), in contrast, comprise a group of conditions arising from disruptions in typical brain development. Despite differences in their timing of onset and clinical manifestations, the aetiology of both NDs and NDDs involves complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Over the past few decades, numerous genes and genetic variants associated with various NDs and NDDs have been identified, providing important insights into the genetic architecture and underlying biological pathways involved in these disorders. However, genetic factors alone cannot fully explain disease susceptibility, progression, or interindividual differences in treatment responses. Increasing evidence suggests that exposure to environmental chemicals may also contribute to the development and progression of these disorders. Furthermore, several studies have reported the presence of environmental chemicals in human brain tissue and/or cerebrospinal fluid, raising concerns about their potential neurotoxic effects within the central nervous system. This project aims to investigate the contribution of environmental chemical exposures to NDs and NDDs through multiple study approaches, including case-control and epidemiological cohort studies, and thereby advance our understanding of the role of environmental factors in the aetiology and development of NDs and NDDs.

Please note this is a HDR Progress Review presentation by Marina Suzuki.