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Hand in glove: brain and skull in development and dysmorphogenesis
Joan T Richtsmeier1, Kevin Flaherty
1Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, 409 Carpenter Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA. jta10@psu.edu
Acta Neuropathologica
|March 26, 2013
Summary
Brain and skull development are tightly linked through shared signaling pathways, ensuring their coordinated growth and function across evolution and in disease. This integration is crucial for craniofacial development and health.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Craniofacial biology
Background:
- The brain and skull develop from distinct embryonic origins but exhibit remarkable coordination in shape and structure throughout evolution and development.
- This close relationship is evident in diseases affecting both brain and skull, highlighting their interconnected morphogenesis.
- The meninges act as a crucial interface, potentially mediating communication between the developing brain and skull.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate relationship between brain and skull development (morphogenesis).
- To propose a model linking brain and skull development via integrated signaling pathways.
- To explore the role of signaling pathways in craniofacial development and disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on brain and skull development, morphogenesis, and signaling pathways.
- Analysis of evolutionary and developmental data to understand the brain-skull association.
- Examination of craniofacial diseases to identify shared developmental mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Brain and skull shape dynamically co-evolve, demonstrating tight structural integration.
- Shared signaling pathways (e.g., FGF, TGFβ, Wnt) are implicated in patterning both the brain and skull.
- Disruptions in these shared pathways can lead to craniofacial diseases affecting both neural and skeletal tissues.
Conclusions:
- Brain and skull morphogenesis are fundamentally linked through coordinated signaling pathways, possibly involving the meninges.
- Variations in signaling strength, timing, or patterning boundaries can impact both systems, leading to co-adjustments during development.
- Understanding these integrated signaling systems is key to comprehending normal craniofacial development and the etiology of related diseases.
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