Regulation of Brain Development

Abstract

The normal functioning of the complex brain structures depends, among a multitude of other factors, on integrated and synchronised metabolic pathways. The brain structures are formed according to a genetic blueprint, according to which enzymatic activities are turned on at determined times and, if substrates are available, complex and specific products can be formed — such as proteins, lipids and polysaccarides. In a second step these complex molecules are incorporated into brain structures. When the enzymatic activity is turned off, the synthesis of complex molecules decreases and the formation of structures is, therefore, slowed down (Fig. 1). An example is the formation of myelin which in the mouse depends on the supply of the lipid sulfatide. Cerebroside sulfotransferase (CST) is a key enzyme in sulfatide synthesis.