New insights in the development of cortical netwarks   MD. PhD. Alessandro Vercelli (Pharmacology and Forensic University of Turin, Turin, ITALY.) MD. PhD. Ferdinando Rossi (University of Turin, Turin, ITALY)

The construction of neural circuits in cortical structures involves complex developmental processes, including sequential generation of different neuron categories, their homing in precise cortical layers and the formation of highly patterned local and distant connections. All these features emerge from largely unknown interactions between genetically-determined mechanisms and influences from the external world. The symposium is devoted at discussing new insights in some specific aspects of cortical development, including gene expression patterns that define specific neuron phenotypes and populations, cellular interactions that determine the morpho-functional identity of cortical areas or nodules, integration of neurons in cortical layers and circuits, wiring of long-distance projections and local inhibitory connections. In particular, we aim at bringing together and compare complementary experiences drawn from the study of the ontogenesis of major cortical structures in the mammalian brain, the cerebral and cerebellar cortex. Alessandro Vercelli: Development and plasticity of cortical pyramidal neurons. Zoltan Molnar: Towards the classification of projection neurons in layer V and subplate. Marion Wassef: Cell interactions involved in the development of functional modules in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex. Ferdinando Rossi: Specification and integration of inhibitory interneurons in the cerebellar cortex.