About this Research Topic
Negative experiences in early life, such as neglect, isolation, stress, and physical and emotional abuse among others are known as Early Life Adversity (ELA) events. Evidence from experimental animal models and human studies has linked ELA during key developmental stages to long-lasting changes in brain structure and function, impacting brain development and affecting behavioral and cognitive processes later in life. ELA has been linked not only to neuropsychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression but also to addiction, and neurodegeneration, overall recognizing it as a risk factor. While susceptibility to such disorders is increased by ELA, emerging research suggests nuanced differences in how male and female subjects are affected, underpinning the complexity of ELA’s impact across gender.
Different animal models have been instrumental in replicating the multifaceted nature of ELA in a controlled environment, such as rodent models of ELA including maternal separation, pain exposure, limited bedding and nesting, social defeat, sexual aggression, early life stress (electric shocks, forced swimming), and social isolation. Models have proved effective in highlighting alterations in key brain regions such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and hypothalamus, areas associated with maladaptive behaviours such as addiction, and with neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Yet, the mechanisms through which ELA interacts and influences epigenetic processes within neural networks to shape developmental pathways and predispose individuals to susceptibility to neuropsychiatric conditions and neurodegeneration in adulthood, are still not fully understood. Key biological inquiries, including the identification of specific pathways that connect ELA to neurodegeneration and the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in the onset of ELA-related neuropsychiatric disorders, remain unanswered.
This Research Topic aims to explore the translational potential of ELA models, particularly focusing on how early developmental experiences can lead to behavioral dysfunctions and neurodegenerative outcomes later in life and looking into novel methodological approaches and technical advances to tackle this critical subject. We welcome contributors to advance this field by addressing the multiple aspects of ELA and its implications for addiction and neurodegeneration presenting research outcomes in animal model studies and advances in methodological approaches.
We are particularly interested in:
• Differential effects of ELA based on sex differences.
• Efficacy and limitations of various ELA animal models in translational research.
• Role and structural changes of specific brain areas mediating ELA's long-term effects.
• Identification of novel molecular markers as predictors of ELA-induced pathology.
• Translational potential of ELA research in developing therapeutic strategies for addiction and neurodegeneration.
• Methodological innovations and technical advances for precise measurement of ELA outcomes.
• ELA as a risk factor for AD-like disorders, addiction, and underlying signalling mechanisms.
Different animal models have been instrumental in replicating the multifaceted nature of ELA in a controlled environment, such as rodent models of ELA including maternal separation, pain exposure, limited bedding and nesting, social defeat, sexual aggression, early life stress (electric shocks, forced swimming), and social isolation. Models have proved effective in highlighting alterations in key brain regions such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and hypothalamus, areas associated with maladaptive behaviours such as addiction, and with neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Yet, the mechanisms through which ELA interacts and influences epigenetic processes within neural networks to shape developmental pathways and predispose individuals to susceptibility to neuropsychiatric conditions and neurodegeneration in adulthood, are still not fully understood. Key biological inquiries, including the identification of specific pathways that connect ELA to neurodegeneration and the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in the onset of ELA-related neuropsychiatric disorders, remain unanswered.
This Research Topic aims to explore the translational potential of ELA models, particularly focusing on how early developmental experiences can lead to behavioral dysfunctions and neurodegenerative outcomes later in life and looking into novel methodological approaches and technical advances to tackle this critical subject. We welcome contributors to advance this field by addressing the multiple aspects of ELA and its implications for addiction and neurodegeneration presenting research outcomes in animal model studies and advances in methodological approaches.
We are particularly interested in:
• Differential effects of ELA based on sex differences.
• Efficacy and limitations of various ELA animal models in translational research.
• Role and structural changes of specific brain areas mediating ELA's long-term effects.
• Identification of novel molecular markers as predictors of ELA-induced pathology.
• Translational potential of ELA research in developing therapeutic strategies for addiction and neurodegeneration.
• Methodological innovations and technical advances for precise measurement of ELA outcomes.
• ELA as a risk factor for AD-like disorders, addiction, and underlying signalling mechanisms.
Keywords: addiction, cognitive processes, therapeutic strategy, early life adversity, neurodegeneration, animal model, ELA model, risk factor, sex differences, neuropsychiatric disorder
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