Evolution of Neocortical Microcircuitry in Anthropoids

以前试图解决神经结构和物种行为能力差异之间的联系，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，新皮层回路中更细微的改变会对行为和认知产生深远的影响。本研究项目旨在收集15种类人猿灵长类动物新皮层微电路的新数据，以更清楚地了解人类和其他灵长类动物认知和行为特化的生物学基础。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差异，这是一个对皮层内信息处理有重大影响的系统。通过免疫组织化学染色，将收集钙结合蛋白在神经元间亚型分布的立体学数据，这些钙结合蛋白代表初级感觉区（Brodmann’s区3b和17）、初级运动区(4)和高阶关联区（Tpt、24b、32、44和45）。此外，来自Broca区同源区（44区和45区）、Wernicke区同源区（Tpt区）和初级运动皮层手部表征区（4区）的微观结构数据将被评估为不对称模式，以检验有关人类语言和利手性进化起源的假设。这项研究的结果将对灵长类动物大脑进化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的功能神经解剖学特化的基础，如心理和语言理论。这个项目将测试这样一个假设，即这些认知适应与偏离异速趋势或特定新皮质区域内在回路的独特不对称变化有关。该项目将产生更广泛的影响，通过生成一个共享的组织切片和幻灯片档案，代表许多灵长类动物的各种新皮质区域，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的基础设施和学生培训机会。本科和研究生阶段的学生将从事研究活动，获得实验室技术、显微镜方法和探究技能方面的专业知识。

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.