Area dependent expression of ZNF312 in human fetal cerebral cortex

The human cerebral neocortex is divided into six layers consisting of specific neuronal cell types and connections. To determine the distribution of cortical neurons during early development, we examined the expressions of layer-specific markers in human midterm fetal brains. Layer V marker ZNF312 is expressed in most cortical areas, but not in the prospective somatosensory association area. Expression of layer IV marker RORbeta is also diminished in this region but increased in the primary visual cortex, where expression of ZNF312 is reduced. Our results indicate that ZNF312 and other layer markers have area dependent expressions in the human fetal cortex.