Molecular Advances in Prenatal Exposure to Environmental Toxicants

Dear Colleagues,

Prenatal substance exposure remains a critical concern in obstetrics and pediatric healthcare due to its significant impact on fetal development and long-term health outcomes. The ongoing evolution of molecular biology, genetic technologies, and chemical analytical approaches has propelled our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these effects. This Special Issue focuses on the latest molecular advances that shed light on the pathophysiological changes caused by prenatal exposure to various substances, including illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription medications, as well as environmental exposures such as heavy metals, phthalates, pesticides, and PFAS.

Recent molecular studies have emphasized the role of epigenetic modifications as a key mechanism through which prenatal substance exposure affects fetal development. DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs have been shown to mediate alterations in gene expression in the developing fetus, leading to potential long-term consequences such as neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. For instance, alcohol exposure in utero has been linked to specific changes in the methylation patterns of genes involved in neural development, which correlates with the cognitive deficits observed in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).

Furthermore, advances in transcriptomic profiling have allowed researchers to identify gene expression signatures specific to different types of prenatal exposure. This profiling not only enhances our understanding of the developmental pathways altered by these exposures but also aids in the development of biomarkers that could facilitate early diagnosis and intervention. Innovative techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing now offer insights into the cell-type-specific effects of substances, providing a detailed map of developmental disruptions that occur at the microscopic level.

Proteomics is another expanding field contributing to our understanding of prenatal substance exposure. By studying the proteomes of exposed individuals, researchers have begun to unravel the complex protein networks that are dysregulated during development. This approach has been particularly useful in identifying potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the effects of exposure.

In addition to focusing on the direct effects of substance exposure on the fetus, this Special Issue also explores the maternal–fetal interface, including the placenta. The placenta plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of maternal substance use on fetal development. Studies using placental tissue have highlighted how substances alter the placental barrier, transport mechanisms, and secretion of hormones, all of which are essential for healthy fetal development.

The integration of these molecular and chemical analytical techniques is not only enhancing our understanding of how prenatal exposure to substances affects fetal and child health but also setting the stage for potential interventions. By identifying molecular pathways and biomarkers associated with exposure, it is possible to develop targeted therapies that could prevent or reduce the severity of developmental disorders, offering hope for better health outcomes in affected populations.

This Special Issue invites contributions that explore these molecular dimensions, aiming to bridge gaps in our current knowledge and inspire future research directions in the field of prenatal substance exposure.

Prof. Dr. Douglas M. Ruden
Dr. Sudipta Dutta
Guest Editors

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• prenatal exposures
• toxicogenomics
• epigenomics
• placenta
• perinatal outcomes
• neurodevelopmental outcomes
• respiratory outcomes