Molecular mechanisms of Brodmann's map formation

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H03237
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44020:Developmental biology-related
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: Hanashima Carina 早稲田大学, 教育・総合科学学術院, 教授 (80469915)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 大脳新皮質 / ブロードマン脳地図 / 領野 / 神経幹細胞 / 細胞移動

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms of Brodmann’s map formation by focusing on the functions of molecules expressed in the developing cerebral cortex, and the cellular dynamics that contribute to the differences in cytoarchitecture among cortical areas. Specifically, we focused on the behavioral differences of newborn neurons at the boundaries between cortical areas and visualized the dynamics of neurons generated at the same time using genetic labeling and live imaging techniques. Through this approach, we revealed the differential behavior of cells integrating into distinct areas and the differentiation programs of cells across cortical areas, thus establishing for the first time the molecular and cellular basis that underlie the differences in cytoarchitecture as described in the Brodmann’s map.

Free Research Field

神経発生学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、ブロードマン脳地図が報告されて以来未解明であった大脳皮質領野形成機構に関する新たな知見を得た。時期特異的神経細胞の操作とバイオインフォマティクス、遺伝学的手法を統合的に使用した解析により、大脳皮質の細胞構築の形成原理が明らかになった。この成果により、ヒトで最も増加した領野の細胞構築学的な意義が明らかになり、知覚や随意運動などを司る高次脳機能を担う領野特異的なニューロンの分化制御機構およびその機能不全の理解に貢献することが期待される。