Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation During Cortical Development
Higher-order cognitive function in mammals is derived from the activity of the cerebral cortex. This brain structure is among the most complex tissues in the body, and its development requires multiple layers of regulation. The network of transcription factors that control gene programs in the cortex has been the subject of decades of research, whereas post-transcriptional mechanisms in the developing cortex are a more recent area of focus. These pathways act on every aspect of mRNA metabolism and have major impacts on gene function. In this chapter, we discuss the roles of post-transcriptional gene regulation during cortical development. A step-by-step overview of the different types of post-transcriptional gene regulation is provided, along with descriptions of how each process impacts cortical development. Finally, cases where dysregulation of post-transcriptional processes leads to neurodevelopmental diseases in humans are discussed.
