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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Cajal–Retzius and Subplate Cells

subject

description

The laminar and columnar organization of the mature cerebral cortex is determined by a variety of early developmental processes. Two distinct populations of early generated preplate neurons play key roles in corticogenesis. Cajal–Retzius neurons, located in the marginal zone (later layer I), control the formation of neocortical layers by releasing the extracellular matrix protein reelin, which serves as a guiding signal for migrating neurons. Subplate neurons in the lower neocortical layer play an active role in transient synaptic circuits and influence early cortical plasticity and the maturation of the columnar architecture. Both neuronal cell populations serve as transient synaptic targets and disappear to a large extent during further development. Genetic mutations and endogenous or exogenous harmful events during early development may lead to alterations of early cortical circuits or their preservation into adulthood, which may cause pathophysiological activity and long-term neuronal deficits.