This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Open AccessReview
The Role of DNA in Neural Development and Cognitive Function
by
Tharsius Raja William Raja
Tharsius Raja William Raja 1,2,†,
Janakiraman Pillai Udaiyappan
Janakiraman Pillai Udaiyappan 3,† and
Michael Pillay
Michael Pillay 1,*
1
Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa
2
PG and Research Department of Biotechnology, Bishop Heber College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli 620017, Tamil Nadu, India
3
Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
DNA 2025, 5(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/dna5030037 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 14 April 2025
/
Revised: 1 June 2025
/
Accepted: 24 July 2025
/
Published: 1 August 2025
Abstract
DNA connects the domains of genetic regulation and environmental interactions and plays a crucial role in neural development and cognitive function. The complex roles of genetic and epigenetic processes in brain development, synaptic plasticity, and higher-order cognitive abilities were reviewed in this study. Neural progenitors are formed and differentiated according to genetic instructions, whereas epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, dynamically control gene expression in response to external stimuli. These processes shape behavior and cognitive resilience by influencing neural identity, synaptic efficiency, and adaptation. This review also examines how DNA damage and repair mechanisms affect the integrity of neurons, which are essential for memory and learning. It also emphasizes how genetic predispositions and environmental factors interact to determine a person’s susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Developments in gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR, and non-viral delivery techniques provide encouraging treatment avenues for neurodegenerative disorders. This review highlights the fundamental role of DNA in coordinating the intricate interactions between molecular and environmental factors that underlie brain function and diseases.
Share and Cite
MDPI and ACS Style
William Raja, T.R.; Udaiyappan, J.P.; Pillay, M.
The Role of DNA in Neural Development and Cognitive Function. DNA 2025, 5, 37.
https://doi.org/10.3390/dna5030037
AMA Style
William Raja TR, Udaiyappan JP, Pillay M.
The Role of DNA in Neural Development and Cognitive Function. DNA. 2025; 5(3):37.
https://doi.org/10.3390/dna5030037
Chicago/Turabian Style
William Raja, Tharsius Raja, Janakiraman Pillai Udaiyappan, and Michael Pillay.
2025. "The Role of DNA in Neural Development and Cognitive Function" DNA 5, no. 3: 37.
https://doi.org/10.3390/dna5030037
APA Style
William Raja, T. R., Udaiyappan, J. P., & Pillay, M.
(2025). The Role of DNA in Neural Development and Cognitive Function. DNA, 5(3), 37.
https://doi.org/10.3390/dna5030037
Article Metrics
Article Access Statistics
Multiple requests from the same IP address are counted as one view.