Genetic control of cortical regionalization and connectivity

Herein, the genetic control of regionalization and connectivity of the neoc ortex are reviewed. Evidence is accumulating which suggests that intrinsic mechanisms have a central role in controlling cortical regional specificati on and differentiation. Expression patterns of several genes (ld-2, Tbr-1, cadherin-6, cadherin-8, neuropilin-2, Wnt-7b, Eph-A7 and RZR-beta) are desc ribed; the expressions of these genes have regional boundaries which demarc ate distint functional areas of the cerebral cortex in neonatal mice.