Hormonal Regulation of Cerebellar Development and Its Disorders

Abstract

Cerebellar development and plasticity involves in various epigenetic processes that activate specific genes at different time points. Such epigenetic influences include hormonal signals from endocrine cells. Various hormone receptors are expressed in the cerebellum, and cerebellar function is greatly influenced by hormonal status. The aim of this chapter is to introduce several key features of hormones and their receptors involved in the regulation of cerebellar development and plasticity. Furthermore, cerebellar developmental disorders caused by aberrant hormonal status are also discussed. This chapter also covers the effect of endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may alter hormone functions in the cerebellum.