Mechanisms and disturbances of neuronal migration

Neuronal migration appears as a complex ontogenic step occurring early during embryonic and fetal development. Control of neuronal migration involves different cell populations including Cajal-Retzius neurons, subplate neurons, neuronal precursors or radial glia. The integrity of multiple molecular mechanisms, such as cell cycle control, cell-cell adhesion, interaction with extracellular matrix protein, neurotransmitter release, growth factor availability, platelet-activating factor degradation or transduction pathways seems to be critical for normal neuronal migration. The complexity and the multiplicity of these mechanisms probably explain the clinical, radiologic and genetic heterogeneity of human disorders of neuronal migration. The present review will be focused on mechanisms and disturbances of migration of neurons destined to the neocortex. New insights gained from the analysis of animal models as well as from the study of human diseases will be included.