forebrain cell migration

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The orderly movement of a cell from one site to another at least one of which is located in the forebrain. [GO_REF:0000021, GOC:cls, GOC:dgh, GOC:dph, GOC:jid]

Forebrain cell migration is a complex and precisely regulated process that is essential for the development of a functional brain. It involves the movement of newly generated neurons from their birthplace in the ventricular zone to their final destination in the various regions of the forebrain. This migration is guided by a combination of intrinsic cues within the migrating cells and extrinsic cues from the surrounding environment.

**1. Radial Migration:**
- The most common type of forebrain cell migration is radial migration, which occurs along radial glial fibers that extend from the ventricular zone to the pial surface.
- Radial glial cells act as scaffolding, providing a pathway for migrating neurons.
- Neurons attach to these fibers and use them as a guide to move outwards towards their target location.
- This process is driven by the interaction of cell adhesion molecules, such as integrins, with the extracellular matrix surrounding the radial glial fibers.
- Signaling pathways, such as the Reelin pathway, play a role in regulating the attachment and detachment of neurons from radial glial fibers.

**2. Tangential Migration:**
- In addition to radial migration, some neurons undergo tangential migration, moving horizontally along the surface of the developing brain.
- This type of migration is guided by chemoattractants and chemorepellents secreted by target neurons or glial cells.
- Tangential migration is important for the formation of specific neuronal circuits and connections between different brain regions.

**3. Mechanisms of Neuronal Migration:**
- **Amoeboid migration:** In this type of migration, neurons move by extending and retracting cellular projections called filopodia and lamellipodia. This movement is driven by cytoskeletal rearrangements and the formation of new cell adhesion contacts.
- **Somal translocation:** In some cases, neurons move by extending a leading process that pulls the cell body along. This process is often guided by cues from the environment.

**4. Regulation of Neuronal Migration:**
- **Molecular cues:** A variety of signaling molecules, including growth factors, chemokines, and extracellular matrix components, play a role in guiding and regulating neuronal migration.
- **Transcription factors:** Specific transcription factors control the expression of genes involved in neuronal migration, including those encoding for cell adhesion molecules, signaling molecules, and cytoskeletal proteins.
- **Cell-cell interactions:** Neuronal migration can be influenced by interactions with other neurons or glial cells. These interactions can involve cell adhesion molecules, secreted factors, or direct contact.

**5. Disruption of Neuronal Migration:**
- Defects in neuronal migration can lead to a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders, including microcephaly, lissencephaly, and epilepsy. These disorders can result from mutations in genes involved in the regulation of migration, or from environmental factors that disrupt this process.

The precise orchestration of forebrain cell migration is essential for establishing the complex and intricate circuitry of the brain. This process is influenced by a multitude of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and its disruption can have profound consequences for brain development and function.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (98)