Sonic hedgehog expands neural stem cells in the neocortical region leading to an expanded and wrinkled neocortical surface

An expanded and folded neocortex is characteristic of higher mammals, including humans other primates. The neocortical surface area was dramatically enlarged during the course mammalian brain evolution from lissencephalic to gyrencephalic this bestowed cognitive functions especially primates, humans. In study, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice in which expression Sonic hedgehog (Shh) could be controlled neural stem cells (NSCs) progenitors by using Tet-on system. Shh overexpression embryogenesis promoted symmetric proliferative division NSCs region, leading expansion lateral ventricles tangential extension ventricular zone. Moreover, Shh-overexpressing Tg showed dramatic exhibited a wrinkled when commenced at early stages development. These results indicate that able increase contribute neocortex.