Prenatal and Postnatal Influences on Brain Development

Research Framework
The NeoTwins study is a joint project between the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and the Department of Obstetrics at Charité-Universitätsmedizin. Its aim is to understand how genetic factors and environmental influences before and after birth shape early brain development. By focusing on twin pregnancies, the study systematically distinguishes between genetic constancy and environmental differences.

 

Prenatal Assessments
A key component of NeoTwins is the examination of mothers during pregnancy. Between the 20th and 30th week of gestation, comprehensive assessments are conducted, including interviews, questionnaires, and the collection of biological samples, which provide insights into hormonal stress, pollutants, and other stress markers. Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and mobile air quality sensors, are also used to precisely capture everyday stressors and environmental conditions. In this way, a detailed picture of the prenatal environment is generated, which can later be linked to features of the child’s brain development.

 

Postnatal Assessments
Shortly after birth, the twins are examined. In addition to biological samples, the focus is on non-invasive MRI measurements conducted while the newborns are naturally asleep. These allow for the assessment of both anatomical structures and functional properties of the brain. Supplementary questionnaires and medical records help contextualize these data within each child’s individual health and developmental trajectory.

 

 

 

Twin Comparisons
A central strength of NeoTwins lies in the direct comparison of twin pairs. Differences between monozygotic twins, who are genetically identical, can be attributed to prenatal or postnatal environmental factors. In dizygotic twins, we focus on same-sex pairs to exclude sex-specific differences. As these twins share only around half of their genes, genetic contributions can also be assessed. The type of placentation also plays a role: with separate placentas, each foetus receives its own supply, making differences in nutrients, hormones, or pollutant exposure more apparent. With a shared placenta, twins may experience similar environmental influences by sharing the same nutrients and hormones. At the same time, unequal blood flow in shared placentas can lead to differences in growth. Comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins allows us to examine both genetic and environmental influences, while placentation further affects the interpretation of environmental effects.

 

Research Aims
The project addresses a fundamental question in developmental neuroscience:

• Which aspects of brain development are most strongly influenced by environmental conditions?
• To what extent does the prenatal environment affect neural plasticity?
• How do these early differences continue into postnatal development?

 

Significance
While many twin studies start in childhood or adolescence, NeoTwins focuses on the earliest stages of development. At this stage, the brain is highly plastic, meaning that genetic and environmental factors can have lasting effects on cognitive, social, and health trajectories. By integrating prenatal environmental assessments, biological markers, neuroimaging, and twin comparisons, this study advances our understanding of the interplay between genetics and environment in early brain development.