Leviton, AlanGressens, PierreWolkenhauer, OlafDammann, Olaf2015-05-042015Leviton, Alan, Pierre Gressens, Olaf Wolkenhauer, and Olaf Dammann. 2015. “Systems approach to the study of brain damage in the very preterm newborn.” Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience 9 (1): 58. doi:10.3389/fnsys.2015.00058. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2015.00058.1662-5137http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:15034996Background:: A systems approach to the study of brain damage in very preterm newborns has been lacking. Methods:: In this perspective piece, we offer encephalopathy of prematurity as an example of the complexity and interrelatedness of brain-damaging molecular processes that can be initiated inflammatory phenomena. Results:: Using three transcription factors, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Notch-1, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NRF2), we show the inter-connectedness of signaling pathways activated by some antecedents of encephalopathy of prematurity. Conclusions:: We hope that as biomarkers of exposures and processes leading to brain damage in the most immature newborns become more readily available, those who apply a systems approach to the study of neuroscience can be persuaded to study the pathogenesis of brain disorders in the very preterm newborn.en-USPerspectivenuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)Notch-1nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NRF2)inflammationprematuritybrainepigeneticsystems biologyJournal Article2015-05-0410.3389/fnsys.2015.00058