Rainer W. Guillery and the genetic analysis of brain development

Eur J Neurosci. 2019 Apr;49(7):900-908. doi: 10.1111/ejn.14135. Epub 2018 Sep 17.

Abstract

Ray Guillery had broad research interests that spanned cellular neuroanatomy, but was perhaps best known for his investigation of the connectivity and function of the thalamus, especially the visual pathways. His work on the genetics of abnormal vision in albino mammals served as an early paradigm for genetic approaches for studying brain connectivity of complex species in general, and remains of major relevance today. This work, especially on the Siamese cat, illustrates the complex relationship between genotype and physiology of cerebral cortical circuits, and anticipated many of the issues underlying the imperfect relationship between genes, circuits, and behavior in mammalian species including human. This review also briefly summarizes studies from our own lab inspired by Ray Guillery's legacy that continues to explore the relationship between genes, structure, and behavior in human cerebral cortex.

Keywords: Siamese cat; brain development; cerebral cortex; genetics.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Genetics / history*
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Neurogenesis / genetics
  • Neurosciences / history*

Personal name as subject

  • Rainer Guillery