Can we understand human brain development from experimental studies in rodents?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Comparative Neurology

Background:

• Understanding human brain development requires effective animal models.
• Rodent models offer versatile in vitro and in vivo methods for studying corticogenesis.
• Key developmental processes show striking similarities between rodent and human cortices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic, molecular, cellular, and network mechanisms underlying human brain development using animal models.
• To compare developmental processes like neurogenesis, migration, and synaptogenesis in rodents and humans.
• To explore the role of early spontaneous electroencephalography (EEG) activity in cortical development.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a wide range of in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches in rodents.
• Detailed analysis of corticogenesis, including neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and differentiation.
• Recording spontaneous EEG activity in early postnatal rodents and comparing it to human cortical activity.

Main Results:

• Neurogenesis, neuronal migration, differentiation, programmed cell death, synaptogenesis, and myelination are highly conserved between rodent and human cortices.
• Early spontaneous EEG activity in human cortex mirrors patterns observed in newborn rodents.
• This early activity, driven by thalamic input to subplate networks via gap junctions, influences cortical column development and apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• Rodent models are valuable for studying conserved mechanisms of human brain development.
• Early spontaneous cortical activity plays a critical role in structuring the developing cortex.
• Disruptions in this early activity may contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders.