Modeling Transformations of Neurodevelopmental Sequences across Mammalian Species

A general model of neural development is derived to fit 18 mammalian species, including humans, macaques, several rodent species, and six metatherian (marsupial) mammals. The goal of this work is to describe heterochronic changes in brain evolution within its basic developmental allometry, and provide an empirical basis to recognize equivalent maturational states across animals. The empirical data generating the model comprises 271 developmental events, including measures of initial neurogenesis, axon extension, establishment, and refinement of connectivity, as well as later events such as myelin formation, growth of brain volume, and early behavioral milestones, to the third year of human postnatal life. The…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 0849627, 0849612
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: P20 RR-16460
• NC
  National Center for Research Resources

  Award: P20 RR-16460