Reelin, radial fibers and cortical evolution: Insights from comparative analysis of the mammalian and avian telencephalon

The mammalian cerebral cortex has a remarkable laminated structure, which is derived from the pallium, the dorsal part of the embryonic telencephalon. Recent studies indicate that the pallium is developed as a homologous structure in all vertebrate species. However, the cellular and molecular mechanism for making architectural diversity of the pallium is not fully understood. Here we introduce recent progress in comparative analysis of pallial development, and our data on the role of Reelin protein in the developing avian pallium. These experimental approaches to pallial development in non-mammalian species will provide a new insight into evolution of the cerebral cortex.