Unraveling the Relationship Between Nr4a2 and Fezf1 Expression in the Developing Feline Telencephalon Within the Genoarchitectonic Context of Claustral and Amygdalar Development
- 1Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology & Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli Greece
- 2Obstetrics and Surgery Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Thessaloniki Greece
- 3Laboratory of Molecular Regulation & Diagnostic Technology, Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics Democritus University of Thrace Alexandroupoli Greece
Abstract
The developmental origin and molecular specification of the lateral pallium remain incompletely understood, particularly with respect to the emergence of the claustrum and its relationship to neighboring pallial territories. Here, we provide a developmental and genoarchitectonic analysis of the feline lateral pallium and its derivatives, focusing on the expression of Nr4a2 and Fezf1. Our results demonstrate that the lateral pallium acquires a distinct molecular identity before the onset of Nr4a2 expression. Beginning at E26/27, a Satb2‐positive and Fezf2‐low domain can be identified below the ventral rim of the cortical plate, preceding the appearance of a restricted Nr4a2‐positive claustral focus that subsequently expands to encompass both claustral and endopiriform populations, indicating that Nr4a2 is a marker of claustral differentiation rather than of lateropallial identity. The spatial organization of the developing claustral complex resembles that described in rodents and is consistent with the cortical ring theory. In contrast to the restricted developmental profile of Nr4a2, Fezf1 exhibited a broad and dynamic expression pattern. Early Fezf1 expression was widely distributed among pallial progenitor populations, suggesting a role in neurogenesis rather than in regional specification, whereas later expression became restricted to selected populations of the piriform cortex and the amygdala. Comparisons with Otp and Sim1 expression further suggest contributions from both telencephalic and hypothalamic sources to Fezf1‐positive amygdalar populations. Our findings do not support a specific association between Fezf1 expression and the lateropallial mantle; instead, Fezf1 appears to participate in pallial neurogenesis and amygdalar differentiation. Collectively, our findings refine the current understanding of feline lateropallial development, clarify the significance of Nr4a2 and Fezf1 expression, and provide a comparative framework for interpreting claustral and amygdalar regionalization across mammals.
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BibTeX
@article{siskos2026unraveling,
title = {{Unraveling the Relationship Between Nr4a2 and Fezf1 Expression in the Developing Feline Telencephalon Within the Genoarchitectonic Context of Claustral and Amygdalar Development}},
author = {Nikistratos Siskos and Andreas‐Rafail Vasileiou and Evangelia Archontoulaki and Alexandra Tsakalidou‐Rafailidou and Charalampos Ververidis and George Skavdis and Maria E. Grigoriou},
journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1002/cne.70215},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13722940},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Unraveling the Relationship Between Nr4a2 and Fezf1 Expression in the Developing Feline Telencephalon Within the Genoarchitectonic Context of Claustral and Amygdalar Development
AU - Nikistratos Siskos
AU - Andreas‐Rafail Vasileiou
AU - Evangelia Archontoulaki
AU - Alexandra Tsakalidou‐Rafailidou
AU - Charalampos Ververidis
AU - George Skavdis
AU - Maria E. Grigoriou
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/31
JO - The Journal of comparative neurology
DO - 10.1002/cne.70215
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13722940
AB - The developmental origin and molecular specification of the lateral pallium remain incompletely understood, particularly with respect to the emergence of the claustrum and its relationship to neighboring pallial territories. Here, we provide a developmental and genoarchitectonic analysis of the feline lateral pallium and its derivatives, focusing on the expression of Nr4a2 and Fezf1. Our results demonstrate that the lateral pallium acquires a distinct molecular identity before the onset of Nr4a2 expression. Beginning at E26/27, a Satb2‐positive and Fezf2‐low domain can be identified below the ventral rim of the cortical plate, preceding the appearance of a restricted Nr4a2‐positive claustral focus that subsequently expands to encompass both claustral and endopiriform populations, indicating that Nr4a2 is a marker of claustral differentiation rather than of lateropallial identity. The spatial organization of the developing claustral complex resembles that described in rodents and is consistent with the cortical ring theory. In contrast to the restricted developmental profile of Nr4a2, Fezf1 exhibited a broad and dynamic expression pattern. Early Fezf1 expression was widely distributed among pallial progenitor populations, suggesting a role in neurogenesis rather than in regional specification, whereas later expression became restricted to selected populations of the piriform cortex and the amygdala. Comparisons with Otp and Sim1 expression further suggest contributions from both telencephalic and hypothalamic sources to Fezf1‐positive amygdalar populations. Our findings do not support a specific association between Fezf1 expression and the lateropallial mantle; instead, Fezf1 appears to participate in pallial neurogenesis and amygdalar differentiation. Collectively, our findings refine the current understanding of feline lateropallial development, clarify the significance of Nr4a2 and Fezf1 expression, and provide a comparative framework for interpreting claustral and amygdalar regionalization across mammals.
SN - 0021-9967
SN - 1096-9861
ER -