Konstantin Yenkoyan: YSMU Team Uncovers Stage-Dependent Vulnerability in Developing Brain
Konstantin Yenkoyan, Vice-Rector for Science of YSMU, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“New Publication Alert | Autism Research
Thrilled to share our new ‘home-made’ publication entitled
‘Stage-Dependent Disruptions in Neurogenesis and Neurotrophins’ Production Following Prenatal and Postnatal Valproic Acid Exposure: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders,’ published with Springer Nature in the prestigious @Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology journal (IF = 4.8, Q1).
Study Focus:
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by altered neuronal connectivity, synaptogenesis, and migration. Using our established prenatal and postnatal valproic acid (VPA) models, we examined how exposure timing affects neurogenesis and neurotrophin production in key brain regions — the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, subventricular zone, and olfactory bulb.
Key Findings:
- Both prenatal and postnatal VPA exposures disrupted neurogenesis, with prenatal exposure causing more severe and persistent changes.
- Prenatal VPA significantly reduced BDNF and Doublecortin (DCX) levels, indicating impaired neuronal migration and organization in the developing brain.
- Postnatal exposure led to transient but abnormal IGF-β and BDNF responses.
- Altered GFAP, NeuN, and synaptophysin expression revealed region-specific neuroglial imbalances.
These findings highlight that the developing brain is highly stage-dependent in its vulnerability to environmental and pharmacological insults — underscoring the importance of minimizing such exposures during late gestation and early postnatal periods.
Graphical Abstract:
Dynamic and comparative assessment of neurotrophins, neuroglial and synaptic markers, and morphological changes across prenatal and postnatal ASD models.
Conducted at the COBRAIN Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after Mkhitar Heratsi, this study reflects the persistent and dedicated work of PhD student Katarine Fereshetyan, with contributions from co-author Margarita Danielyan, as well as Dr. Souren Mkrtchian (Karolinska Institutet) for fruitful discussions and critical reading of the manuscript, Hasmik Harutyunyan (YSMU COBRAIN Center) for assistance with graphical illustrations, and Vergine Chavushyan for her continuous support.
Read the full article here.
This work was supported by the Higher Education and Science Committee of Armenia (23LCG-3A020 and 25YSMU-CON-I-3A), and YSMU.”
Title: Stage-Dependent Disruptions in Neurogenesis and Neurotrophins’ Production Following Prenatal and Postnatal Valproic Acid Exposure: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Katarine Fereshetyan, Margarita Danielyan and Konstantin Yenkoyan
Stay updated on all scientific advances in the field of fertility with Fertility News.
-
Oct 11, 2025, 06:44The Global IVF Market Is Set to Reach $65B by 2032 – Meddilink
-
Dec 12, 2025, 15:11Webinar on Fertility Preservation in Cancer Care – ESHRE
-
Dec 12, 2025, 14:59Novel Microfluidics Device Enhances Sperm Selection Success – Fertility and Sterility
-
Dec 12, 2025, 14:55Human Embryo Preimplantation Genetic Testing and Phased Validation – Fertility and Sterility
-
Dec 12, 2025, 14:40Unraveling Immune Mechanisms in Reproductive Health – Reproduction and Fertility
-
Dec 12, 2025, 14:30Swarup Chakrabarti: A New Era for IVF Success
-
Dec 12, 2025, 14:25Guidelines Unveiled for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Management – The ObG Project
-
Dec 12, 2025, 11:31AMWA Advocates for Equitable Care in Endometriosis Treatment – Womb WatchAI
-
Dec 11, 2025, 16:16AI Model Predicts Pregnancy Outcomes Through Endometrial Receptivity Scoring – Future Fertility
-
Dec 11, 2025, 15:55Houssein El Hajj: Training Without Borders: Mobility and Opportunity in Gynaecologic Oncology