Researchers identify new model of cerebral cortex development linked to reelin protein expression

The correct development of the brain cortex is an essential process for the acquisition of correct cognitive skills. Reelin, a key extracellular protein in neuronal migration and synaptic plasticity, is determinant in this process. For this reason, the dysfunction—genetic or at an expression level—of this protein is involved in neurodevelopmental pathologies—such as lissencephalies, epilepsy or some psychiatric disorders, particularly autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—or neurodegenerative diseases.