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Gene regulatory landscape of cerebral cortex folding

ABSTRACT: Our brains accommodate a largely folded cerebral cortex that associates to our advanced brain functions. Several theories have been proposed to explain the cortical folding process, reasoning the mechanical forces as neuronal tension in underlying layers, cellular expansion and glial progenitor’s diversity in the OSVZ; but the mechanistic insights and underlying genomics changes causing the appearance of cortical folds is still illusive. Importantly, no studies have attempted to comprehensively characterize the gene regulatory networks underlying cortical folding during development. Here, by using ferret as a model system, we have compared the transcriptomes of germinal layers between sulci and gyri, of different cortical areas and across two developmental stages (E30 & E34), to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of gene expression of cortical progenitors. Furthermore, we have also characterized the epigenetic landscape of germinal layers at E30 and E34, a critical period for their development, to correlate changes in chromatin at promoter and enhancer regions with the observed changes in gene expression. Our preliminary results indicate towards a clear transformational axis of gene regulation between germinal layers. By performing motif analysis of differentially expressed gene (DEGs), we reveal transcription factors which might have a critical role in determining cortical folding. The genes targeted by these factors belong to important pathways implicated in proliferation and neurogenesis. We highlight potential candidates in cortical folding through functional validation studies and acetylation (H3K27ac) levels for these genes correlate with their expression state. Importantly, these are critical for cell adhesion, migration and proliferation processes in-line with previous studies stating that proliferative divisions cause neocortical expansions. Our findings will have strong impact on the clinical interventions for neurological disorders relating to cortical malformation, while at the same time enhancing our understanding of molecular circuitry underlying gyrencephalic brain development and folding.

ORGANISM(S): Mustela putorius furo

PROVIDER: GSE172289 | GEO | 2024/05/02

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Genome-wide transcriptional profiling allows characterization of the molecular underpinnings of neocortical organization, including cortical areal specialization, laminar cell type diversity and functional anatomy. Microarray analysis of individual cortical layers across sensorimotor and association cortices in rhesus macaque demonstrated robust and specific laminar and areal molecular signatures driven by differential expression of genes associated with specialized neuronal function. Gene expression corresponding with laminar architecture was generally similar across cortical areas, although genes with robust areal patterning were often highly laminar as well, and these patterns were more highly conserved between macaque and human as compared to mouse. Layer 4 of primate primary visual cortex displayed a distinct molecular signature compared to other cortical regions, a specialization not observed in mouse. Overall, transcriptome-based relationships were strongest between proximal layers in a cortical area, and between neighboring areas along the rostrocaudal axis, reflecting in vivo cortical spatial topography and therefore a developmental imprint. Tissue from male and female monkeys (n = 2-3 animals/gender) was collected from anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), layers 2, 3, 5, 6; orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), layers 2, 3, 5, 6; dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), layers 2-6; primary motor cortex (M1), layers 2, 3, 5, 6; primary somatosensory cortex (S1), layers 2-6; primary auditory cortex (A1), layers 2-6; primary visual cortex (V1), layers 2-6 including 4A, 4B, 4Calpha (4Ca), 4Cbeta (4Cb); secondary visual cortex (V2), layers 2-6; middle temporal area (MT), layers 2-6; temporal area (TE), layers 2-6; hippocampus, CA1, CA2, CA3, dentate gyrus (DG); and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), magnocellular, parvocellular and koniocellular divisions. Due to the limited number of samples that could be amplified concurrently, amplifications were performed in 3 batches (batches A-C, containing 102, 119 and 10 experimental samples, respectively). To control for batch effects, common RNA pool control samples were amplified and hybridized in each batch. These included LCM extracted hippocampus CA3 samples from the current study and a whole rhesus brain RNA pool (Biochain). These control samples were hybridized in 6 replicates in batch A and B and in 3 replicates in batch C (3 replicates per 96 well plate).

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Gene regulatory landscape of cerebral cortex folding

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