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Updated: Jul 18, 2025
09:57
How to Measure Cortical Folding from MR Images: a Step-by-Step Tutorial to Compute Local Gyrification Index
Published on: January 2, 2012
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The Control of Cortical Folding: Multiple Mechanisms, Multiple Models.
Alexandra Moffat1,2, Carol Schuurmans1,2,3
1Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Summary
Cortical folding, essential for cognitive function, is driven by specific genes and molecular pathways. Disruptions in neural progenitor cell development can impair this complex process, leading to developmental brain disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The cerebral cortex develops specialized cells for cognitive functions.
- Cortical folding (gyrification) increases surface area in larger mammals, unlike smooth rodent cortices.
- Understanding cortical development is crucial for explaining cognitive abilities and neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular drivers of cortical folding.
- To explore the role of genetic and molecular factors in cortical development and gyrification.
- To discuss the implications of perturbed cortical folding in disease.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of rodent, gyrencephalic animal, and human cortices.
- Review of studies using human pathology specimens and cerebral organoids.
- Examination of genetic and molecular signaling pathways influencing cortical development.
Main Results:
- Cortical folding is guided by a molecular blueprint involving signaling pathways (Notch, Fgf, Wnt, PI3K, Shh) and extracellular matrix.
- Gene evolution and alterations drive gyrification.
- Mutations affecting neural progenitor proliferation or neurogenesis disrupt cortical folding.
Conclusions:
- Cortical folding is a complex, genetically regulated process vital for brain structure and function.
- Molecular pathways and extracellular matrix components orchestrate the formation of cortical folds.
- Defects in these processes are linked to neurological diseases.
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