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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Ex utero Electroporation and Whole Hemisphere Explants: A Simple Experimental Method for Studies of Early Cortical Development
Published on: April 3, 2013
Intrinsic and extrinsic control of cortical development
1Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Francisco 94143-0984, USA.
Novartis Foundation Symposium
|August 10, 2000
Summary
Cerebral cortex development relies on intrinsic patterning centers that establish regional organization and specify cell types. Extrinsic factors, like migrating interneurons and thalamic inputs, also play crucial roles in its maturation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The cerebral cortex undergoes complex early development involving intricate molecular signaling pathways.
- Understanding the precise mechanisms of telencephalon regionalization is key to comprehending cortical organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in cerebral cortical early development.
- To discuss the roles of patterning centers and secreted molecules in telencephalon regionalization.
- To explore both intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing cortical development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cerebral cortical development.
- Analysis of secreted molecules (SHH, FGF, BMP, WNT) and transcription factors.
- Examination of cell migration and afferent input roles.
Main Results:
- Intrinsic patterning mechanisms, regulated by secreted molecules, are sufficient for much of the newborn mouse cerebral cortex's regional organization.
- Cortical projection neurons are primarily specified by intrinsic mechanisms.
- Cortical interneurons originate from the basal ganglia and migrate, while thalamic afferents influence postnatal maturation.
Conclusions:
- Both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms are essential for the proper development and maturation of the cerebral cortex.
- Patterning centers and their secreted molecules are critical for establishing regional identity and cell specification.
- Extrinsic influences, including cell migration and neuronal inputs, are vital for completing cortical development.
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