About this Research Topic
Neuroplacentology is an emerging research area that explores the influences of placenta on normal and pathological fetal brain development. The placenta is vital for healthy fetal development, especially for the fetal brain. It primarily plays the role of an interface between the maternal and fetal circulations by enabling the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste between the mother and fetus. The placenta is also the first functional endocrine gland since it produces, in a temporarily regulated manner, diverse hormones that support the pregnancy, regulate fetus and placenta growth, and prepare for childbirth.
It is now recognized that placental pathology or premature placental loss due to preterm delivery can alter the trajectory of fetal brain development or increase the susceptibility of the immature brain to injury. A growing body of evidence has linked placental insufficiency to long-term neuropsychiatric disorders such as learning deficits, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. The odds of a placental origin of neurobehavioral outcomes may be substantial since more than 10% of pregnancies are affected by some degree of placental failure, which includes preeclampsia, infection, or genetic anomalies. In addition, 10% of gestations end prematurely, leading to the abrupt loss of placenta for the newborn.
The aim of this Research Topic is to provide an up-to-date vision of the concept of neuroplacentology. We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspective articles on the following topics:
• Identification and characterization of circulating neuromodulating placental factors
• Experimental or observational evidence linking placental pathology to neurodevelopmental disorders or vulnerability to perinatal brain injury
• Development and use of pre-clinical models for functional assessment of the placenta-brain axis
• Sex-differences in the neurobehavioral outcomes of placental insufficiency
• Identification of placental biomarkers for early risk assessment of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes
• Recent advances and perspectives on early medical intervention to prevent neurodevelopmental impairment caused by placental insufficiency
It is now recognized that placental pathology or premature placental loss due to preterm delivery can alter the trajectory of fetal brain development or increase the susceptibility of the immature brain to injury. A growing body of evidence has linked placental insufficiency to long-term neuropsychiatric disorders such as learning deficits, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. The odds of a placental origin of neurobehavioral outcomes may be substantial since more than 10% of pregnancies are affected by some degree of placental failure, which includes preeclampsia, infection, or genetic anomalies. In addition, 10% of gestations end prematurely, leading to the abrupt loss of placenta for the newborn.
The aim of this Research Topic is to provide an up-to-date vision of the concept of neuroplacentology. We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspective articles on the following topics:
• Identification and characterization of circulating neuromodulating placental factors
• Experimental or observational evidence linking placental pathology to neurodevelopmental disorders or vulnerability to perinatal brain injury
• Development and use of pre-clinical models for functional assessment of the placenta-brain axis
• Sex-differences in the neurobehavioral outcomes of placental insufficiency
• Identification of placental biomarkers for early risk assessment of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes
• Recent advances and perspectives on early medical intervention to prevent neurodevelopmental impairment caused by placental insufficiency
Keywords: placenta, brain, development, ASD, pre-eclampsia, prematurity
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
