Control of cerebral size and thickness

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• The mammalian neocortex is crucial for primate cognitive functions.
• Increased neocortical size and thickness correlate with enhanced cognitive abilities in advanced species.
• This expansion is thought to stem from increased neuronal generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding neocortical progenitor diversity.
• To discuss cellular mechanisms of neurogenesis in different species.
• To explore molecular determinants controlling neuronal output and cortical architecture.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent discoveries in neocortical development.
• Focus on comparative analysis of neocortical progenitors across species.
• Discussion of molecular and epigenetic mechanisms regulating neurogenesis.

Main Results:

• Neocortical progenitor diversity varies significantly across species.
• Specific cellular mechanisms drive neurogenesis and influence cortical expansion.
• Intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including epigenetic modifiers and microRNAs, play key roles.

Conclusions:

• Understanding progenitor diversity and neurogenesis mechanisms is vital for explaining neocortical evolution.
• Molecular and epigenetic regulation is central to establishing normal cortical architecture and function.
• These processes underpin higher cognitive abilities in humans and other primates.