cerebral cortex radial glia-guided migration

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The radial migration of neuronal or glial precursor cells along radial glial cells during the development of the cerebral cortex. [GO_REF:0000021, GOC:cls, GOC:dgh, GOC:dph, GOC:jid, PMID:12626695]

Cerebral cortex radial glia-guided migration is a complex process essential for the formation of the intricate structure of the mammalian cerebral cortex. It involves the precise movement of newly born neurons from their birthplace in the ventricular zone to their final destinations in various cortical layers. This intricate journey is orchestrated by radial glial cells, specialized glial cells that act as scaffolding for migrating neurons.

Radial glial cells extend long, radial processes from the ventricular zone to the pial surface of the developing cortex. These processes serve as tracks for migrating neurons, guiding them along a specific path. The interaction between migrating neurons and radial glial cells is mediated by a combination of adhesion molecules, signaling pathways, and physical cues.

The process begins with the generation of neurons from radial glial cells in the ventricular zone. Newly generated neurons detach from the ventricular surface and migrate along the radial glial processes towards the pial surface. During migration, neurons exhibit a characteristic "somal translocation" movement, where the nucleus of the neuron moves forward, followed by the rest of the cell body. This movement is driven by the cytoskeleton, which undergoes dynamic rearrangements to extend and retract leading processes called "filopodia."

As neurons migrate, they receive cues from their environment, including signals from radial glial cells, other migrating neurons, and the extracellular matrix. These signals influence their migratory direction, speed, and final destination. For instance, radial glial cells express specific molecules that promote neuronal adhesion and guide their movement along the radial glial processes. Additionally, neurons respond to guidance cues from the extracellular matrix, such as chemoattractants and chemorepellents, which help to refine their migration paths.

As neurons reach their final destination in the developing cortex, they exit the radial glial scaffold and integrate into the cortical circuitry. The precise timing and position of neuronal migration are crucial for the formation of the layered structure of the cerebral cortex, with different layers containing distinct neuronal populations responsible for specific cognitive functions.

This intricate process of radial glia-guided migration ensures the proper organization of the cerebral cortex, laying the foundation for the development of higher cognitive functions in mammals.'
"

Proteins (2)

Compounds (30)