Developmental mechanics of brain evolution – DMOBE

The geometry of the cerebral cortex is related to its cellular, connective and functional organisation. This relationship is established during development, as the cortex folds following stereotypic patterns. Folding patterns are thought to reflect patterned gene expression. But how to distinguish genetic and mechanical aspects? We will use the theory of soft matter, computer models, physical models, and experimental data on brain development and phylogenetic variation to predict the evolution of primate folding patterns. Similar to development, brains of different primates can be arranged in a series going from lissencephalic lemurians to gyrencephalic apes. Unlike a single species, however, different species have varying degrees of genetic similarity, which should allow us to disentangle genetic and geometric influences. Our results could profoundly change the current understanding of the processes underlying the evolution of the brain.