Elucidation of the mechanism of microglia transition in brain building and its significance

Pregnancy and the development of a child in the womb is an extremely delicate and complex process. The embryo undergoes multiple changes and stages of development from fertilisation to birth. This process allows a single cell to become an extremely sophisticated multicellular child. Naturally, the complexity of the process leaves it open to disruption through a myriad of seemingly minor factors. A slight change in the concentrations of certain molecules at key times can have huge ramifications for the child's health. It is therefore essential that we endeavour to investigate all the possible sources of interference in foetal development and try to uncover ways in which they can be prevented. There are numerous environmental and exogenous factors that can and do influence foetal development. Alcohol is a factor long known to have an influence on pregnancy. Women who drink during pregnancy increase the chances of their child suffering from problems later in life. This is known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) as the problems associated with the disease can vary widely in severity. The exact mechanisms and reasons for this have not been particularly clear. Ethanol impacted on development in some way, but it was not obvious how and when. As well as known substances such as this, we are constantly introducing new chemicals that could be ingested and have an effect on pregnancy. One example is bisphenol A (BPA), a common component of many plastics. Understanding whether and how these new factors influence pregnancy is of utmost importance if we are to pre-empt and prevent any negative influence. Dr Munekazu Komada is an expert in neurodevelopmental toxicology and congenital anomaly and is working to understand the fundamental mechanisms behind exogenous chemical interference in foetal development.