Shaping the cerebral cortex by cellular crosstalk

The cerebral cortex is the brain's outermost layer. It is responsible for processing motor and sensory infor-mation that support high-level cognitive abilities and shape personality. Its development and functional or-ganization strongly rely on cell communication that is established via an intricate system of diffusible signals and physical contacts during development. Interfering with this cellular crosstalk can cause neurodevelop-mental disorders. Here, we review how crosstalk between migrating cells and their environment influences cerebral cortex development, ranging from neurogenesis to synaptogenesis and assembly of cortical circuits.

Automated summary

The cerebral cortex, responsible for processing motor and sensory information and shaping personality, relies on cell communication for development and functional organization. Disrupting this cellular crosstalk can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. This review focuses on how the interaction between migrating cells and their environment influences various aspects of cerebral cortex development.