Developmental plasticity and human disease: research directions

Abstract

The conceptual basis of the 'developmental origins' paradigm has converged on the role of developmental plasticity responding to signals from the early environment, with heightened risk of disease if the induced phenotype does not match the later environment. Nevertheless, numerous questions remain, including the current burden of disease that can be attributed to early environmental factors; the pathways, mechanisms and windows of plasticity; the identification of early markers of environmentally induced change; and the feasibility, costs and benefits of intervention. A focused agenda of research is needed to convince policy makers of the importance of developmental factors in human disease.