Early Brain Development Linked to Autism, Depression, and Parkinson's

Recent research from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute and Yale University has revealed that the origins of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism, bipolar disorder, and depression, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, can be traced back to the earliest stages of brain development in the fetus. This groundbreaking study, published in *Nature Communications* in July 2025, indicates that critical genetic factors influencing these conditions are active much earlier than previously recognized.

Dr. Gabriel Santpere, a leading researcher at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute and a member of the Neurogenomics Research Group, emphasized the significance of these findings: "This study highlights the early moments of brain development, particularly the role of stem cells in the cerebral cortex, where the foundations of these mental illnesses may begin to form."

The research team analyzed a comprehensive list of nearly 3,000 genes known to be associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions. Utilizing advanced simulations, the researchers examined how alterations in these genes could affect the progenitor cells that are crucial for brain development. The results indicated that many of these genes are functional during the initial phases of fetal development, suggesting that disruptions at this stage could lead to significant health issues later in life.

Dr. Nicola Micali, an associate researcher at Yale University and co-lead on the study, noted, "Traditionally, research has focused on the genetic aspects of mental illnesses in adults. Our findings underscore the importance of considering fetal brain development and the genetic influences during this critical period."

The study simulated specific regulatory networks for various cell types involved in brain development, enabling researchers to observe the impact of gene activation and deactivation on progenitor cells. This innovative approach allowed the team to identify temporal windows and cell types where gene function is most crucial, facilitating a better understanding of how genetic alterations can translate into diseases like autism and depression.

Xoel Mato-Blanco, another researcher at the Hospital del Mar, stated, "We cover a wide spectrum of diseases that can affect the brain and analyze the behavior of genes related to these conditions in neural stem cells. Our work offers insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating these disorders."

Understanding the mechanisms behind these neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases is vital for developing targeted interventions. As the researchers pointed out, identifying when and where to intervene could open pathways for personalized treatments and gene therapy options in the future.

The implications of this study are profound, not only for neuroscience but also for public health policies aimed at addressing mental health issues. With the rising prevalence of conditions like autism and depression, early intervention strategies informed by genetic research could play a pivotal role in improving health outcomes.

In summary, this study marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the origins of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing the need for a shift in focus toward early brain development to inform future research and therapeutic approaches. As Dr. Santpere concluded, "The early stages of brain development hold the key to understanding the roots of these complex diseases, and targeted therapies could transform how we approach mental health care."

The research was made possible through a collaboration between the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Pompeu Fabra University, and Yale University, showcasing the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in addressing complex medical challenges. For more information, the study is referenced as Mato-Blanco, X., et al. (2025). Early developmental origins of cortical disorders modeled in human neural stem cells. *Nature Communications*. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61316-w.