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Asymmetry of the Brain: Development and Implications
Véronique Duboc1,2, Pascale Dufourcq1,2, Patrick Blader1,2
1Université de Toulouse, UPS, Center de Biologie du Développement (CBD), F-31062 Toulouse, France;
Annual Review of Genetics
|October 8, 2015
Summary
Brain asymmetry, the specialization of brain hemispheres, is a conserved trait across species. This study explores its development, influenced by genetics and environment, using zebrafish as a model.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Biology
Background:
- Brain hemispheres exhibit high symmetry but possess subtle structural differences.
- Hemispheric specialization (brain asymmetry) is evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates and invertebrates, suggesting adaptive fitness.
- Brain asymmetry links anatomical differences to specific cognitive functions and behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on brain asymmetry development in humans and model organisms.
- To investigate the impact of genetic and environmental factors on brain asymmetry.
- To highlight zebrafish as a model for studying epithalamic asymmetry development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on brain asymmetry.
- Analysis of genetic and environmental influences on brain development.
- Focus on epithalamic asymmetry development in zebrafish.
Main Results:
- Subtle structural and functional differences exist between brain hemispheres.
- Brain asymmetry is a widespread evolutionary feature across diverse animal taxa.
- Zebrafish offer a valuable model for dissecting the mechanisms of brain asymmetry.
Conclusions:
- Understanding brain asymmetry is crucial for comprehending brain function and behavior.
- Environmental and genetic factors play significant roles in shaping brain asymmetry.
- The zebrafish epithalamus provides a tractable system for future research into brain asymmetry.
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