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The Mouse Hindbrain As a Model for Studying Embryonic Neurogenesis

The Mouse Hindbrain As a Model for Studying Embryonic Neurogenesis

Published on: January 29, 2018

Temporal variations in early developmental decisions: an engine of forebrain evolution.

H Bielen¹, S Pal², S Tole²

¹Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, New Hunt's House, King's College London, IoPPN, Guy's Campus, London, UK.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology

|January 17, 2017

Summary

Developmental timing, or heterochrony, influences forebrain evolution. Changes in signaling timing and quantity during early development drive diversity in forebrain size, complexity, and animal cognition.

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Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Neuroscience

Background:

Precise control of developmental timing is crucial for biological processes like cell fate specification and migration.
Heterochrony, the evolutionary change in developmental timing, significantly shapes body plans and organogenesis.
Recent research highlights heterochrony in early signaling as a driver of forebrain diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize recent findings on heterochrony in early development and its impact on forebrain evolution.
To propose a model where temporal and quantitative signaling modulation drives forebrain complexity and diversity.
To link forebrain evolution to the emergence of animal behavior and cognition.

Main Methods:

Review of recent studies in fish and rodents focusing on developmental signaling and forebrain morphology.
Analysis of spatio-temporal dynamics of neurogenesis and signaling pathways.
Comparative analysis of forebrain development across species.

Main Results:

Heterochrony in early developmental signaling generates diversity in forebrain size and complexity.
Both the timing and quantity of signaling events are critical for shaping the forebrain.
These changes contribute to the evolution of animal behavior and cognitive abilities.

Conclusions:

Temporal and quantitative modulation of signaling events are key drivers of forebrain evolution.
Heterochrony in developmental timing plays a significant role in generating diversity in animal cognition.
Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into the evolution of complex traits.