title: [Molecular mechanisms of neuronal connective tissue genesis during the course of cerebral cortex development].
abstract: The cerebral cortex constitutes one of the most complex structures in our brain. In correlation with its elaborate functions, it is characterized by the great complexity of its neuronal connections, but the mechanisms responsible for the generation of these connections remain poorly known. We have recently initiated the characterization of a new multigenic family of axon guidance factors, the ephrin/Eph gene family, during the development of neuronal connections in the mouse cortex. Combining expression studies, in vitro guidance essays, and in vivo analysis of mutant mice, enabled us to demonstrate the critical role of ephrin/Eph genes in the development of cortical networks. Mutant mice for ephrin/Eph genes display a topographic distortion of their cortical somatosensory map, as well as ectopic projections from the motor thalamus to the somatosensory cortex. The identification of factors like ephrins, capable to (re)specify the pattern of neuronal connections, has implications for our understanding of pathological brain development (epilepsy, abnormal movements, psychiatric diseases), and in the perspective of the rational design of cell therapies of neurodegenerative diseases.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vanderhaeghen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000235:genetics; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000254:growth & development*; D036342:Ephrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D036342:Ephrins
vernacular_title: Mécanismes moléculaires de la genèse de la connectivité neuronale au cours du développement du cortex cérébral.