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Neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and axon guidance
Andrea Accogli1, Nassima Addour-Boudrahem2, Myriam Srour3
1Unit of Medical Genetics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital, Genova, Italy; Departments of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal-Child Science, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|September 22, 2020
Summary
Human central nervous system (CNS) development involves intricate genetic and environmental factors, guiding neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and axon guidance. Understanding these processes is key to addressing neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) development is a complex process influenced by genetic, environmental, biochemical, and physical factors from embryonic stages through postnatal life.
- Recent advancements in genetic techniques and experimental approaches have significantly improved our understanding of human CNS development mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the primary developmental processes and signaling mechanisms of neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and axon guidance.
- To discuss regulatory processes including transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic factors, and signaling pathways crucial for neuronal progenitor fate determination.
- To highlight the link between impairments in CNS development and neurodevelopmental disorders such as cortical malformation, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature and research findings on CNS development.
- Analysis of genetic techniques and experimental approaches used to study neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and axon guidance.
- Synthesis of information on regulatory factors and signaling pathways involved in neuronal development.
Main Results:
- Detailed discussion of mechanisms governing neural stem cell proliferation, progenitor migration, and axon pathfinding.
- Comprehensive overview of transcriptional, posttranscriptional, epigenetic factors, and signaling pathways regulating neuronal development.
- Identification of how disruptions in these developmental processes can lead to human neurodevelopmental disorders.
Conclusions:
- A thorough understanding of normal human CNS development is essential for deciphering the mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders.
- This knowledge is critical for guiding the development of effective and targeted therapeutic strategies for these conditions.
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