The Fragile Brain: How Environmental Factors Impact Neurodevelopment
NEURO 101PP
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Environmental factors acting during gestation—such as maternal exposure to pathogens or stress—can disturb the development of the mammalian brain, leading to profound changes in brain function. In this course, we will delve into the mechanism of three specific environmental insults and examine their impact on molecular and cellular functions in order to better understand how the brain is put together. We will first learn how the vulnerability of neural progenitor cells to infection by Zika virus can lead to structural neurodevelopmental disorders like microcephaly (reduced brain size). Next, we will study how Maternal Immune Activation (MIA) can interfere with neurodevelopmental signaling to create cortical structure abnormalities that result in behavioral changes even in the absence of a pathogen. Finally, we will explore how cortisol signaling in a stressed pregnant mother can modulate amygdala and hippocampus development in offspring, demonstrating a generational effect of stress. Students will also develop skills to analyze, critique, and discuss research articles in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders and beyond. To this end, students will start the course by discussing research articles figure-by-figure (guided by instructors), progress towards independent interrogation of overarching experimental design and limitations, and conclude by working in groups to present a published paper not covered in class. Armed with foundational neurodevelopment knowledge, the ability to discuss primary research articles vigorously and sensitively, and team-based scientific presentation skills, students will conclude the course competent and confident to tackle neuroscience literature more broadly.
Recommended Prep
Prerequisite (strictly enforced): Ls1a (or LPSA or Ls50a) and MCB/Neuro 80
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
