Work

The specification of neuronal identity by graded sonic hedgehog signalling

Year: 1999

Type: review

Abstract: During the development of vertebrate nervous system, distinct classes of motor neurons and interneurons are generated at distinct dorsoventral positions in the ventral neural tube. The differentiation of these neuronal subtypes is directed by the secreted protein Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). Shh acts in a graded manner to establish different neural progenitor cell populations, defined by the expression of homeodomain transcription factors. These factors are critical for the interpretation of graded Shh signalling and act initially both to refine progenitor domain boundaries and to maintain their integrity. Subsequently, these factors direct the expression of genes that confer neuronal subtype identity to post-mitotic neurons.

Source: Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology

DOI: 10.1006/scdb.1999.0295

Authors: James Briscoe, Johan Ericson

Institutions: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, Karolinska Institutet

Language: English

Topic: Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Studies

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,670

Funders: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stiftelsen för Strategisk Forskning