A model of neocortical evolution

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25650086
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Developmental biology
• Research Institution: National Institute of Genetics
• Principal Investigator: HIRATA Tatsumi 国立遺伝学研究所, 総合遺伝研究系, 教授 (80260587)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 神経 / 進化 / 発生

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The layered neocortex exists in only mammalian species, suggesting that it is a newly evolved structure in the mammalian lineage. However, our previous study showed that the chicken brain contains neuron subtypes that are similar to deep and upper layer neurons in the mammalian neocortex. In this study, we analyzed gene expressions in the softshell turtle brain, which is often referred to as an ancestral form of amniote brains, and found that the turtle brain also contains deep and upper layer-type neurons. The spatial distribution and neurogenetic patterns of these neurons are quite similar to those of the chick counterparts. The results provide another support for our hypothesis of an ancient origin of neocortical neuron subtypes.

Free Research Field

生物学