Architects of the Developing Brain: Cytoskeleton-Organizing Molecules in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• The cytoskeleton, comprising microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments, plays a critical role in cellular processes.
• These components are essential for orchestrating multiple cellular functions throughout cerebral cortex development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of cytoskeletal components and their functions in cortical development.
• To analyze how cytoskeletal molecules regulate key neurodevelopmental processes.
• To examine the link between cytoskeletal dysfunctions and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research on cytoskeleton and brain development.
• Detailed analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying cytoskeletal influence on neurogenesis.
• Examination of genetic variants in cytoskeletal proteins and their association with NDDs.

Main Results:

• Cytoskeletal elements precisely control neuronal progenitor proliferation, migration, polarization, axon/dendrite outgrowth, and synaptogenesis.
• Pathogenic variants in cytoskeletal genes disrupt neurogenesis, leading to NDDs.
• Cytoskeletal dysfunctions result in altered cellular behavior and specific clinical phenotypes in NDDs.

Conclusions:

• The cytoskeleton is a central player in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental pathologies.
• Understanding cytoskeletal roles provides insights into the molecular basis of NDDs.
• The cytoskeleton represents a potential therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental disorders.