A neuron of the human embryonic marginal zone which display, as a salient feature, radial ascending processes that contact the pial surface, and a horizontal axon plexus located in the deep marginal zone. One feature of these cells in mammals is that they express the Reelin gene. [ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9728912 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10600995 ]
Synonyms: Horizontal cells of Cajal CR cells
Term information
While previously called 'pioneer neurons' of the marginal zone, Cajal-Retzius cells are differentiated from pioneer neurons (which are Reln-negative) by their Reln-immunoreactivity.