Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
10:25
Generation of Standardized and Reproducible Forebrain-type Cerebral Organoids from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: January 23, 2018
A hierarchical coherent-gene-group model for brain development
I F Tsigelny1, V L Kouznetsova, M Baitaluk
1San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA. itsigeln@ucsd.edu
Genes, Brain, and Behavior
|November 24, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a novel strategy to analyze brain gene expression using transcription factor (TF) networks. It reveals TF network patterns linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and suggests targeted drug design for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Brain gene expression analysis is complex.
- Understanding gene regulation during development is crucial for neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Transcription factors (TFs) play a key role in gene expression regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a strategy for analyzing brain gene expression data using TF-controlled coherent-gene groups.
- To establish a hierarchical model of gene-expression patterns during brain development.
- To investigate the role of TF networks in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Hierarchical modeling of gene expression patterns.
- Identification of TF networks and 'master TFs'.
- Analysis of temporal gene expression patterns in relation to neurogenesis and synaptogenesis.
Main Results:
- A hierarchical model of gene expression during brain development was established.
- Distinct temporal gene expression patterns were identified, linked to neurogenesis/synaptogenesis.
- TF networks associated with autism-spectrum disorders and schizophrenia showed dual expression maxima (prenatal and early postnatal).
Conclusions:
- Master TFs regulate gene groups during brain development.
- Dysregulation of specific TFs may underlie autism and schizophrenia.
- Targeted drug design based on TF temporal expression patterns offers a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Organization of the Brain
The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
01:13Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
01:20Anatomy of the Brain: Major Regions
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It consists of four main parts: the cerebrum, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brainstem.
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect various areas...
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect various areas...
01:13Organization of the Nervous System
The nervous system is one of the most complex systems in our body. It is organized into two main divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, houses billions of neurons. The brain is housed in the skull, while the spinal cord is linked to the brain through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone and is surrounded by the protective structure of the vertebral column. It is responsible for processing various...
The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, houses billions of neurons. The brain is housed in the skull, while the spinal cord is linked to the brain through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone and is surrounded by the protective structure of the vertebral column. It is responsible for processing various...
01:18Hierarchy of Motor Control
The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.
01:26Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview I
The main and largest component of the human brain is the cerebrum. The cerebrum consists of two main parts: the cerebral cortex, an outer layer with wrinkles or folds known as gyri and shallow grooves called sulci, and a deeper region beneath it. The cerebrum divides into two distinct hemispheres and contains five different lobes: the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula. The central sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes and two functionally important gyri — the...