Cellular and axonal constituents of neocortical molecular layer heterotopia

• Published in: Developmental neuroscience Vol. 36; no. 6; p. 477
• Main Authors: Ramos, Raddy L, Siu, Nga Yan, Brunken, William J, Yee, Kathleen T, Gabel, Lisa A, Van Dine, Sarah E, Hoplight, Blair J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01-01-2014
• Subjects: Animals; Axons - metabolism; Axons - pathology; Disease Models, Animal; Immunohistochemistry; Malformations of Cortical Development, Group II - metabolism; Malformations of Cortical Development, Group II - pathology; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Neocortex - metabolism; Neocortex - pathology; Neuroglia - metabolism; Neuroglia - pathology; Neurons - metabolism; Neurons - pathology
• ISSN: 1421-9859
• DOI: 10.1159/000365100

Human neocortical molecular layer heterotopia consist of aggregations of hundreds of neurons and glia in the molecular layer (layer I) and are indicative of neuronal migration defect. Despite having been associated with dyslexia, epilepsy, cobblestone lissencephaly, polymicrogyria, and Fukuyama muscular dystrophy, a complete understanding of the cellular and axonal constituents of molecular layer heterotopia is lacking. Using a mouse model, we identify diverse excitatory and inhibitory neurons as well as glia in heterotopia based on molecular profiles. Using immunocytochemistry, we identify diverse afferents in heterotopia from subcortical neuromodulatory centers. Finally, we document intracortical projections to/from heterotopia. These data are relevant toward understanding how heterotopia affect brain function in diverse neurodevelopmental disorders.