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Development and Evolution of Thalamocortical Connectivity.

Zoltán Molnár1, Kenneth Y Kwan2

  • 1Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom zoltan.molnar@dpag.ox.ac.uk kykwan@umich.edu.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
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Summary

The development of brain connections between the thalamus and cortex relies on navigating evolutionary modified regions. This review explores how thalamocortical axon guidance across the pallial-subpallial boundary is shaped by evolution and development.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Conscious perception in mammals relies on intricate cerebral cortex-thalamus connections.
  • The development and evolution of these structures are intricately linked.
  • Thalamocortical axon (TCA) pathfinding involves navigating forebrain regions with significant evolutionary divergence, particularly the pallial-subpallial boundary (PSPB).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms guiding thalamocortical axons (TCAs) across forebrain boundaries.
  • To examine the evolutionary implications of the pallial-subpallial boundary (PSPB) for TCA pathfinding.
  • To discuss the reciprocal influences between the thalamus and cortex during neural development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on thalamocortical development and evolution.
  • Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms guiding axon pathfinding.
  • Comparative analysis of forebrain organization across species.

Main Results:

  • Mammalian forebrain development involves transient cell populations and subplate neurons that guide TCAs.
  • The evolutionarily modified pallial-subpallial boundary (PSPB) presents unique challenges and mechanisms for TCA navigation.
  • Cortical areas are initially patterned by genetic factors, with subsequent refinement by thalamocortical input.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding TCA guidance mechanisms is crucial for comprehending brain development and evolution.
  • Evolutionary modifications of the PSPB significantly impact thalamocortical circuit formation.
  • The interplay between genetic patterning and axonal input shapes cortical organization and function.