Evolution of Neocortical Microcircuitry in Anthropoids

以前试图解决神经结构与行为能力的物种差异之间的联系，主要依赖于对大脑大小及其组成结构的分析。然而，神经科学的最新发现表明，新皮层回路中更微妙的变化可以对行为和认知产生深远的影响。该研究项目旨在收集15种灵长类动物新皮层微电路的新数据，目的是更清楚地了解人类和其他灵长类动物认知和行为专业化的生物学基础。研究人员将研究新皮层局部回路GABA能网络组织的系统发育变异，该系统对皮层内信息处理有重大影响。将收集关于中间神经元亚型分布的体视学数据，所述中间神经元亚型分布通过对代表初级感觉区（Brodmann区3b和17）、初级运动区（区4）和高级联合区（区Tpt、24 b、32、44和45）的钙结合蛋白进行免疫组织化学染色来鉴定。此外，微结构数据从布罗卡区同源（区44和45），韦尼克区同源（区Tpt），和在初级运动皮层（区4）的手代表性的区域将被评估的模式的不对称性，以测试假设有关的进化起源的语言和用手在人类。这项研究的结果将为灵长类动物大脑进化中的重组模式提供重要的见解，并将有助于阐明人类和其他灵长类动物功能性神经解剖学专业化的基础，如心理和语言理论。这个项目将测试的假设，这些认知适应与偏离异速生长的趋势或独特的不对称变化的内在电路的特定新皮层区域。该项目将产生更广泛的影响，通过产生一个共享的组织切片和幻灯片档案，代表许多灵长类动物物种的各种新皮层区域，这些区域在实验室中很少见。此外，本项目开发的设备和资源将加强肯特州立大学人类学方面的基础设施和学生培训机会。在本科和研究生水平的学生将从事研究活动，获得实验室技术，显微镜方法和调查技能的专业知识。

Previous attempts to address the link between neural architecture and species differences in behavioral capacities have mostly relied on analysis of the size of the brain and its component structures. However, recent findings in the neurosciences have shown that more subtle alterations in neocortical circuitry can have profound effects on behavior and cognition. This research project aims to collect new data on neocortical microcircuitry across 15 species of anthropoid primates with the goal of more clearly understanding the biological basis of cognitive and behavioral specializations in humans and other primates. The researchers will examine phylogenetic variation in the organization of local-circuit GABAergic networks of the neocortex, a system that has significant influence on intracortical information processing. Stereologic data will be collected on interneuron subtype distributions identified by immunohistochemical staining for calcium-binding proteins representing primary sensory (Brodmann's areas 3b and 17), primary motor (area 4) and higher-order association regions (areas Tpt, 24b, 32, 44 and 45). In addition, microstructural data from Broca's area homologue (areas 44 and 45), Wernicke's area homologue (area Tpt), and the region of hand representation in primary motor cortex (area 4) will be assessed for patterns of asymmetry to test hypotheses concerning the evolutionary origins of language and handedness in humans. The results of this study will provide important insight into modes of reorganization in primate brain evolution and will help to elucidate the basis of functional neuroanatomic specializations in humans and other primates, such as theory of mind and language. This project will test the hypothesis that these cognitive adaptations are associated with departures from allometric trends or uniquely asymmetric changes in the intrinsic circuitry of particular neocortical areas. This project will have broader impacts by generating a shared archive of histological sections and slides representing various neocortical areas from many primate species which are rare in laboratory use. In addition, the equipment and resources developed in this project will strengthen infrastructure and student training opportunities in anthropology at Kent State University. Students at the undergraduate and graduate level will be engaged in research activities, gaining expertise in laboratory techniques, microscopy methods, and inquiry skills.