Neural science: a century of progress and the mysteries that remain

Article Abstract:

A century of progress in exploring the nervous system is covered in this review article which also considers mysteries that still exist. This science seeks to understand biological mechanisms that make up mental activity and the development of the neural circuits. Two approaches, the reductionist and holistic, have historically been used, and successes have come from both. Vision can be used as a model system. In the future, studies of imagery may look into influences of learning and of individual differences. Analysis of consciousness remains a major challenge.

Models, History, Nervous system, Brain research, Neurogenetics, Neuro-ophthalmology, Neuroophthalmology

A homeodomain protein code specifies progenitor cell identity and neuronal fate in the ventral neural tube

Article Abstract:

Progenitor cell identity and neuronal fate in the ventral neural tube are discussed relative to a homeodomain protein code. A group of homeodomain transcription factors expressed by neural progenitors function as intermediaries in Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) -dependent neural patterning.

Physiological aspects, Molecular genetics

Groucho-mediated transcriptional repression establishes progenitor cell pattern and neuronal fate in the ventral neural tube

Article Abstract:

Research has shown that most of the homeodomain proteins that control the pattern of neuronal specification in the ventral neural tube have a conserved eh1 motif that mediates the recruitment of Groucho/TLE (Gro/TLE) corepressors. The pattern of neurogenesis in the neural tube depends on spatially controlled repression of transcriptional repressors, that is, derepression for cell fate specification.

Statistical Data Included, Genetic aspects, Genetic regulation, Genetic transcription, Transcription (Genetics), Developmental neurology