Evolution of the neocortex: a perspective from developmental biology.

Full Abstract

The enlargement and species-specific elaboration of the cerebral neocortex during evolution holds the secret to the mental abilities of humans; however, the genetic origin and cellular mechanisms that generated the distinct evolutionary advancements are not well understood. This article describes how novelties that make us human may have been introduced during evolution, based on findings in the embryonic cerebral cortex in different mammalian species. The data on the differences in gene expression, new molecular pathways and novel cellular interactions that have led to these evolutionary advances may also provide insight into the pathogenesis and therapies for human-specific neuropsychiatric disorders.

Author information

Author/s: Rakic, Pasko (P);

Affiliation: Department of Neurobiology and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA. pasco.rakic(-atsign-)yale.edu.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Nature reviews. Neuroscience (Nat Rev Neurosci), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 10 (issue 10) : pp 724-35

Dates: Created 2009/09/18; Completed 2009/10/02;

PMID: 19763105, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/2/2009, IMS Date: )

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