Topic: inhibitory connectivity

Our understanding of how developmental cell death contributes to the formation of brain circuits remains limited. Cajal-Retzius cells (CRs) constitute a major transient neuronal population in the mammalian neocortex, which largely disappears at the time of postnatal somatosensory maturation. In this study, we used mouse genetics, anatomical, functional and behavioral approaches to explore the impact of the early postnatal death of CRs in the maturation of the cortical circuit. We find that CRs apoptosis plays a crucial role in facilitating the proper development of inhibitory connectivity from