Question

How can the principles of neuro-development help to explain why each brain is different? (Please kindly type response. Thank you!)

Answer 1

Neuro-development or the development of the brain, spinal cord, and other neural derived tissues is a complex process. In humans, the brain is the first organ to develop but the last to finish development. Indeed the brain is what makes each of us unique.

The differences arise at various levels. The first difference lies in the genetic machinery. Each of us has a unique gene repertoire which gives rise to the expression of unique proteins, signaling molecules and unique developmental patterns. The next difference lies at the transcriptomics level wherein differential processing of RNA, their synthesis and degradation rates, transcription factors produced at a given time point all contribute to an orchestrated development. Similarly, translational and post-translational processing also contribute largely to the differences. Epigenomics, that is the contribution of environmental factors on the expression patterns can also demand differences.

However, brain development is not determined purely genetically. Environmental influences also play a role. A major developmental paradigm with reference to neuro-development is neuroplasticity, which refers to the wiring and rewiring of the neurons based on the signals and developmental cues. The plasticity is driven by experience and signals that the developing embryo or the child receives from its environment. Synaptic pruning which refers to removal of unused and unwanted synapses also plays a role.

Thus, neuro-development is highly adaptive and dynamic and this is what makes each of us similar yet unique.