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Evolution of cortical neurons supporting human cognition
A A Galakhova1, S Hunt1, R Wilbers1
1Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands.
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|September 18, 2022
Summary
Human brain evolution involved cortical expansion and neuronal adaptations, particularly in supragranular layers. These changes in pyramidal neurons may explain cognitive ability variations in humans.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Evolutionary Biology
- Human Cognition
Background:
- Human cognitive abilities are linked to cortical expansion during evolution.
- Neuronal adaptations and local circuit properties may also drive this expansion.
- Supragranular cortical layers, especially pyramidal neurons, show significant evolutionary changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on human cortical neuron features.
- To explore adaptations in neuronal properties and local circuits.
- To connect evolutionary changes in neurons to cognitive variability.
Main Methods:
- Review of structural, functional, and transcriptomic data of human cortical neurons.
- Focus on supragranular layers and pyramidal neurons.
- Analysis of evolutionary changes in neuronal microstructure.
Main Results:
- Human cortical neurons exhibit distinct structural, functional, and transcriptomic features.
- Supragranular layers and pyramidal neurons underwent prominent expansion.
- Evolutionary adaptations in neuronal features are evident.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary adaptations in neuronal features accompany human cortical expansion.
- These adaptations in pyramidal neurons may contribute to cognitive ability variations.
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