The evidence suggests that myelin-related pathways represent a common point of vulnerability across disorders and may offer a potential target for intervention, integrating findings from both animal models and human research.
Abstract
Myelination is a fundamental neurobiological process that enables rapid and efficient neural signal transmission, playing a key role in shaping brain connectivity and function-particularly during early development. Given the high energetic cost and tight developmental timing of myelination, disruptions in myelin formation or maintenance can increase vulnerability to genetic and environmental factors during critical periods. As such, impaired myelination and oligodendrocyte dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of various neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). This review synthesizes current knowledge on the role of myelin-related changes in the pathophysiology of NDDs-including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), intellectual developmental disorders, and communication, motor, and specific learning disorders-integrating findings from both animal models and human research. Taken together, the evidence suggests that myelin-related pathways represent a common point of vulnerability across disorders and may offer a potential target for intervention.
Findings support alcohol-induced OL dysregulation and circuit disruption as drivers in AUD pathology and identify novel therapeutic targets aimed at ameliorating disruptions to WM integrity, diagnosing AUD, and improving outcomes for individuals impacted by AUD.
Hazen Westover, Esther Melamed, Jennifer T. Wolstenholme et al.· Physiology and Behavior· 0 citations
Myelin integrity and oligodendrocyte function are central to the progression of demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases and targeting molecular pathways involved in myelination offers significant potential for improving disease outcomes and developing advanced therapeutic strategies.
Shivang Shukla, Vivek Srivastava, H. Gaur et al.· CNS and Neurological Disorde...· 0 citations
The study provides an integrated framework linking genetic variation to molecular dysfunction and clinical outcomes, offering valuable insights for future research and therapeutic development in pediatric neurology.
Varada Vidya Rani, Suryanarayana Reddy Kovvuri, D. Arya· Genetics and Molecular Resea...· 0 citations
This narrative review integrates existing evidence on the developmental delay hypothesis to help focus future efforts, while highlighting current challenges and potential solutions to inspire innovative directions for research into the neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying ADHD.
Leilei Ma, Yujie Cao, Ningyu Liu et al.· Biological Psychiatry: Cogni...· 0 citations
Current understanding of the clinical features, etiological factors, biological mechanisms, and pharmacological management of schizophrenia is summarized, while emerging therapeutic targets that may guide future research and drug development are outlined.
Vaishnavi S. Solav, A. Wankhade, V. Paithankar et al.· Research Journal of Pharmaco...· 0 citations
Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in children worldwide but has long been regarded only as a risk factor for bone health. Emerging evidence indicates that vitamin D profoundly influences child brain development by regulating neuroimmune responses and synaptic plasticity, forming a “neuroimmune–synaptic plasticity axis.” Deficiency is significantly associated with the risk of multiple pediatric neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), epilepsy, and attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This axis exerts irreversible regulatory effects during critical developmental windows from gestation to the preschool period, representing a core causal pathway linking vitamin D deficiency to neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the clinical benefits of vitamin D supplementation are highly heterogeneous, necessitating a move beyond the “one-size-fits-all” paradigm. This review systematically integrates causal mechanisms, molecular pathways, disease-specific associations, and clinical evidence, proposing the “neuroimmune–synaptic plasticity axis” as a central hypothesis. We critically analyze the mechanisms of vitamin D during key neurodevelopmental periods and evaluate sources of heterogeneity in existing clinical trials, including dosage, timing, VDR genotype, and co-nutrients. Finally, we propose a research roadmap for individualized supplementation strategies based on developmental stage, biomarkers, and VDR genotype, aiming to transition vitamin D use from empirical to precision intervention.
C. Xie, Ping Xiang, Xinyun Ye et al.· Frontiers in Aging Neuroscie...· 0 citations
