The specification of neuronal identity by graded Sonic Hedgehog signalling - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

The specification of neuronal identity by graded Sonic Hedgehog signalling

J Briscoe et al. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 1999 Jun.

Free article

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.

Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

LinkOut - more resources