Insular Cortex Neurons is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Insular Cortex Neurons is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Overview
The Insular Cortex is a cortical region hidden within the Sylvian fissure that integrates interoceptive information, emotional experience, pain perception, and taste[@craig2009]. It is increasingly recognized as important in neurodegenerative diseases. Often called the "hidden lobe," the insula was first described by Johann Christian Reil in 1796 and has since been implicated in a wide range of functions from basic sensory processing to high-level cognition.
The insular cortex is buried within the lateral sulcus (Sylvian fissure), making it difficult to study with traditional approaches. However, modern neuroimaging techniques have revealed its central role in integrating internal bodily states with external environmental cues, forming the neural basis for conscious awareness of the self[@critchley2004].
Cell-type specific targeting: Therapeutic modulation
Biomarkers: Early disease detection
Key Publications
<sup>[1]</sup> Craig AD. How do you feel? Interoception: the sense of the physiological condition of the body. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2009;10(6):435-446. PMID: 19455225(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19455225/)
<sup>[2]</sup> Critchley H, et al. Neural systems supporting interoceptive awareness. Nat Neurosci. 2004;7(2):189-195. PMID: 14730305(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14730305/)
<sup>[3]</sup> Barrett LF, et al. The insula: a multidimensional integration hub. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2017;18(10):671-682. PMID: 28851566(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28851566/)
<sup>[4]</sup> Kurth F, et al. The human insula: cytoarchitectonic mapping and its relationship to networks. Brain Struct Funct. 2010;214(5-6):519-534. PMID: 20561810(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20561810/)
<sup>[5]</sup> Nieuwenhuys R. The insular cortex: a review. Prog Brain Res. 2012;195:123-163. PMID: 22230626(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22230626/)
<sup>[6]</sup> Seeley WW, et al. Early frontotemporal dementia targets neurons unique to apes and humans. Ann Neurol. 2007;62(2):162-170. PMID: 17683091(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17683091/)
<sup>[7]</sup> Wicker B, et al. A neural substrate for prediction. Neuron. 2003;39(4):695-703. PMID: 12925283(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12925283/)
<sup>[8]</sup> Simmons WK, et al. The role of the insula in emotion. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2022;108:1-15. PMID: 34419432(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34419432/)