A New World in Brain Cells
A fascinating study led by the Neurogenesis and Cortical Expansion laboratory, led by researcher Víctor Borrell at the Institute of Neurosciences, has revealed an unprecedented panorama in the diversity of radial glia cells in the brain.
This pioneering study challenges preconceptions by discovering at least three distinct neuron formation processes that occur simultaneously in the same brain areas and in the same period of development.
The Complexity of Neurogenesis
The development of the cerebral cortex is closely linked to the neuron-generating stem cells, the Radial Glia Cells. Unlike what was believed until now, this study reveals that these stem cells follow multiple routes in the creation of neurons, giving rise to a surprising complexity in the neurogenesis process.
Dr. Borrell pointed out that several alternative pathways have been identified to generate neurons, all of them working simultaneously. Despite these differences in processes, the end result is always a neuron with similar characteristics and functions at that stage of development.
The Link with Brain Folding
Researchers have also observed that the presence of these different neuron formation pathways is related to the folding of the cerebral cortex.
Lucía del Valle Antón highlighted that the ‘routes’ for the formation of neurons operate synchronously in time and space, although in different proportions between gyri and cerebral sulci.
Twists and Grooves: The Art of Brain Growth
The researchers explored neuron formation in regions of the ferret brain that result in gyri and sulci, comparing it to the human and mouse brains through analysis of public databases.
During the study, it was observed that the different lineages of neuron formation had predominance in specific areas of the gyrus and sulcus, directly influencing the growth and morphology of the cerebral cortex.
The Mystery of Human Brain Size
The discovery of new types of stem cells and the diversity in the creation of neurons in parallel provides fundamental clues to understanding why the human cerebral cortex is exceptionally large compared to other species.
This detailed study has allowed us to thoroughly investigate the genes expressed by neurons in gyri and sulci, revealing crucial information about brain malformations caused by specific genetic mutations.
Exploring the Neuronal Genome
By sequencing single cells at the transcriptomics level, researchers have unraveled the complex genetic patterns that guide neuron formation in different species, offering valuable insights into brain evolution.
This interdisciplinary study, which included the collaboration of leading international researchers, has shed light on the genetic processes that shape neuronal architecture in brain development.
