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. 2023 May 15;150(10):dev200397.
doi: 10.1242/dev.200397. Epub 2023 May 15.

The brain on time: links between development and neurodegeneration

Khadijeh Shabani  1 , Bassem A Hassan  1
Affiliations

The brain on time: links between development and neurodegeneration

Khadijeh Shabani et al. Development. .

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons. In this Spotlight, we explore the idea that genetic forms of neurodegenerative disorders might be rooted in neural development. Focusing on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, we first provide a brief overview of the pathology for these diseases. Although neurodegenerative diseases are generally thought of as late-onset diseases, we discuss recent evidence promoting the notion that they might be considered neurodevelopmental disorders. With this view in mind, we consider the suitability of animal models for studying these diseases, highlighting human-specific features of human brain development. We conclude by proposing that one such feature, human-specific regulation of neurogenic time, might be key to understanding the etiology and pathophysiology of human neurodegenerative disease.

Keywords: Brain development; Neurodegeneration; Temporal mechanisms.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests The authors declare no competing or financial interests.

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