PUBLICATION

Patterning motoneurons in the vertebrate system

Authors
Eisen, J.S.
ID
ZDB-PUB-990614-1
Date
1999
Source
TINS   22(7): 321-326 (Review)
Registered Authors
Eisen, Judith S.
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/genetics*
  • Genes, Regulator/physiology
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Motor Neurons/cytology
  • Motor Neurons/physiology*
  • Nervous System/cytology*
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena*
  • Stem Cells/physiology
  • Transcription Factors/physiology
  • Transcription, Genetic/physiology
  • Vertebrates
PubMed
10370257 Full text @ TINS
Abstract
Vertebrate motoneurons show considerable diversity in their soma locations, axonal trajectories and innervation targets. Results from studies of a variety of vertebrate species as well as fruitflies are elucidating the mechanisms by which this diversity is generated. Motoneuron subpopulations appear to be defined by combinations of transcription factor genes expressed in distinct spatiotemporal patterns in both motoneuron progenitors and postmitotic motoneurons. Notochord-derived signals can induce motoneuron formation, paraxial-mesoderm-derived signals can pattern motoneuron subpopulations along the rostrocaudal body axis, and local signals within the neural tube can regulate the number and time at which motoneurons form. Additional, later signals can promote formation of proper central circuitry and motoneuron survival. The identification of the genes and signals responsible for regulating these processes should help to provide a more-detailed understanding of motoneuron patterning.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping