{"title":"The evolving neurobiology of early-life stress.","authors":"Matthew T Birnie, Tallie Z Baram","doi":"10.1016/j.neuron.2025.02.016","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Because early-life stress is common and constitutes a strong risk factor for cognitive and mental health disorders, it has been the focus of a multitude of studies in humans and experimental models. Yet, we have an incomplete understanding of what is perceived as stressful by the developing brain, what aspects of stress influence brain maturation, what developmental ages are particularly vulnerable to stress, which molecules mediate the effects of stress on brain operations, and how transient stressful experiences can lead to enduring emotional and cognitive dysfunctions. Here, we discuss these themes, highlight the challenges and progress in resolving them, and propose new concepts and avenues for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":19313,"journal":{"name":"Neuron","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":14.7000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Neuron","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2025.02.016","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"NEUROSCIENCES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Because early-life stress is common and constitutes a strong risk factor for cognitive and mental health disorders, it has been the focus of a multitude of studies in humans and experimental models. Yet, we have an incomplete understanding of what is perceived as stressful by the developing brain, what aspects of stress influence brain maturation, what developmental ages are particularly vulnerable to stress, which molecules mediate the effects of stress on brain operations, and how transient stressful experiences can lead to enduring emotional and cognitive dysfunctions. Here, we discuss these themes, highlight the challenges and progress in resolving them, and propose new concepts and avenues for future research.
期刊介绍:
Established as a highly influential journal in neuroscience, Neuron is widely relied upon in the field. The editors adopt interdisciplinary strategies, integrating biophysical, cellular, developmental, and molecular approaches alongside a systems approach to sensory, motor, and higher-order cognitive functions. Serving as a premier intellectual forum, Neuron holds a prominent position in the entire neuroscience community.