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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
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Functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 7 T in the Rat Barrel Cortex During Whisker Activation
Published on: February 8, 2019
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Development of the whisker-to-barrel cortex system
Jenq-Wei Yang1, Werner Kilb1, Sergei Kirischuk1
1Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|May 9, 2018
Summary
The rodent whisker-to-barrel cortex system develops from genetic control to activity-dependent maturation, enabling complex behaviors. This system
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Sensory Systems
Background:
- The whisker-to-barrel cortex system in rodents is a well-established model for studying sensory processing.
- Its development involves a transition from genetic programming to experience-dependent refinement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the developmental trajectory of the rodent whisker-to-barrel cortex system.
- To highlight the interplay between genetic factors and neural activity in shaping this system.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing literature on the development of the whisker-to-barrel cortex system.
- It focuses on the period from late embryonic stages to the first postnatal month.
Main Results:
- Early development is driven by genetic and molecular factors, establishing a basic connectivity template.
- Neural activity, both spontaneous and sensory-evoked, plays a crucial role in structural and functional maturation.
- The system transitions to support complex behaviors, including social interactions.
Conclusions:
- The whisker-to-barrel cortex system undergoes significant activity-dependent plasticity during early development.
- Its clear topographic organization makes it an exceptional model for understanding sensory processing and behavior.
- Continued study of this system offers insights into neural development and function.
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