Developmental mechanisms of gyrification

Folding of the cerebral cortex is a fundamental milestone of mammalian brain evolution associated with dramatic increases in size and complexity. Cortex folding takes place during embryonic and perinatal development and is important to optimize the functional organization and wiring of the brain, while allowing fitting a large cortex in a limited cranial volume. Cortex growth and folding are the result of complex cellular and mechanical processes that involve neural stem progenitor cells and their lineages, the migration and differentiation of neurons, and the genetic programs that regulate and fine-tune these processes. Here, we provide an updated overview of the most significant and recent advances in our understanding of developmental mechanisms regulating cortical gyrification.

Automated summary

Folding of the cerebral cortex is a crucial process in mammalian brain evolution, allowing for increased size and complexity while fitting into a limited cranial volume. This folding is regulated by complex cellular and mechanical processes involving neural stem cells, neurons, and genetic programs. This article provides an updated overview of recent advances in our understanding of the developmental mechanisms behind cortical gyrification.