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Large-scale Three-dimensional Imaging of Cellular Organization in the Mouse Neocortex
Published on: September 5, 2018
Comparative analysis of layer-specific genes in Mammalian neocortex
Akiya Watakabe1, Noritaka Ichinohe, Sonoko Ohsawa
1Division of Brain Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|October 27, 2006
Summary
Researchers identified distinct deep layer neuron subtypes in monkey and mouse cortices using gene expression. These findings reveal significant architectonic differences between species and cortical areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Deep layer neurons play crucial roles in cortical circuitry.
- Understanding neuronal subtypes is key to deciphering brain function.
- Layer-specific gene expression provides molecular markers for neuronal populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of layer-specific genes in monkey and mouse cortices.
- To identify and characterize distinct subpopulations of deep layer neurons based on gene coexpression.
- To explore species- and area-specific variations in neuronal architecture.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence double in situ hybridization was used to examine gene expression.
- Coexpression profiles of ER81, Nurr1, 5-HT2C receptor, and CTGF mRNAs were analyzed.
- Tracer injections were performed in monkeys to trace neuronal projections.
Main Results:
- Distinct neuronal subpopulations were identified based on gene expression profiles.
- ER81+ neurons lacking Nurr1 were mainly in layer 5, with subdivisions in monkeys.
- Nurr1+ neurons in layer 6 showed further subdivisions (CTGF+/-) with species-specific differences in ER81 coexpression and distribution.
Conclusions:
- Gene expression profiling reveals architectonic heterogeneity in deep layer neurons across cortical areas and species.
- Specific neuronal subtypes, like Nurr1+ neurons in layer 6A, have defined projection patterns.
- Comparative analysis highlights evolutionary divergence in cortical organization.
