Understanding the origins of Malformations of the Cortical development
Ossola and Kalebic. Frontiers in Neuroscience 2022
The cerebral cortex – the outer brain layer – accounts approximately for half of the human and mammalian brain mass and controls language, memory, reasoning, and consciousness. Specialised cortex cells – the neural progenitors – are responsible for the specification, positioning and maturation of neurons in the cortex, which are essential for brain development. Alteration of any of these events leads to structural abnormalities of the cerebral cortex, called Malformations of Cortical Development (MCDs). By impairing brain development, MCDs result in abnormal brain size and thickness, which represent the basis of several neurodevelopmental disorders.
Nereo Kalebic and Chiara Ossola at the HT Neurogenomics Research Centre review how two key features of the neuronal progenitor cells, i.e. their ability to proliferate and polarise, impact on brain development, if misregulated. Furthermore, they discuss the role of cell signaling pathways and metabolism in the onset of MCDs and how using appropriate in vivo and in vitro models can help advancing personalized medicine. In summary, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of how the cell biology of the neuronal progenitors is involved in MDC onset.
The review is published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.
Share:
You could also like:
-
When less is more: optimising fluorescence microscopy with Micro𝕊plit
Researchers at Human Technopole have developed a novel machine learning-based method that transforms composite fluorescence microscopy images with overlapping signals into separate images revealing individual cellular structures. The tool is published in Nature Methods, with experimental models and training data openly available on GitHub.
-
Human Technopole: Connecting Science Across Scales
The mechanisms of life are complex. What happens at the molecular level shapes cells, tissues, organs and entire organisms. To understand human biology, and what drives disease, we need to connect these different scales rather than study them in isolation. That is our approach at Human Technopole.
-
Predicting Heart Failure Before it Strikes
In a large international collaboration, Human Technopole has contributed to the development of three complementary risk prediction models that estimate heart failure risk across the entire cardiovascular disease spectrum. Together, these tools enable transparent, data-driven risk assessment and support personalised treatment strategies and more sustainable healthcare delivery.
-
From Integrated Reporting to Student Innovation: Human Technopole at the Social Innovation Campus 2026
The Social Innovation Campus 2026 was a great success, bringing thousands of students to MIND to discuss social innovation, sustainability and the future of work. From 25 to 27 February, young people engaged with organisations, institutions and companies to explore how innovation can generate social impact. Human Technopole contributed to this collective effort through different voices and perspectives.
-
4 PhD Positions in Data Analytics and Decision Sciences at Human Technopole
Are you passionate about AI, mathematical modelling, or genomics, and eager to work on high-impact research in biomedical science? Human Technopole is excited to offer four fully-funded PhD positions as part of the prestigious PhD Programme in Data Analytics and Decision Sciences of the Politecnico di Milano.