Control of cell pattern in the neural tube: motor neuron induction by diffusible factors from notochord and floor plate

Article Abstract:

An investigation of the nature of the mesodermal- and neural cell-derived inductive signals which determine the variety of cell types generated along the dorsoventral axis of the neural tube development is presented. The study protocol involved observing cell differentiation in neural plate explants grown alone or in the presence of notochord and floor plate. The results showed that cell fates along the dorsoventral axis of the neural tube are specified at the neural plate stage.

Growth, Developmental neurology

Topographic mapping from the retina to the midbrain is controlled by relative but not absolute levels of EphA receptor signaling

Article Abstract:

Topographic mapping from the retina to the midbrain is controlled by levels of EphA receptor signaling that are relative but not absolute. The hypothesis was tested by using gene targeting to elevate EphA receptor expression in a subset of mouse ganglion cells. The connection of ganglion cells in the retina to the targets in the superior colliculus of the midbrain is considered.

United States, Canada, Physiological aspects, Retina, Cytochemistry, Mesencephalon, Ganglia

Requirement for LIM homeobox gene Isl1 in motor neuron generation reveals a motor neuron-dependent step in interneuron differentiation

Article Abstract:

Analysis of mice embryonic motor neuron differentiation revealed the importance of the expression of the LIM homeodomain transcription factor, Isl1. Isl1 is responsible for motor neuron differentiation in the neural tube embryos. The significance of Isl1 expression was confirmed with the findings that motor neurons send signals that initiate differentiation of interneurons.

Genetic aspects, Mice, Mice (Rodents), Motor neurons, Gene expression