First published online November 24, 2004
Development 131, 2402e (2004)
© The Company of Biologists Limited
A coup for neuronal cell migration
Neuronal diversity in the mammalian forebrain is generated in part by cells
following different tangential migration pathways to their final destinations
during telencephalon development. These pathways and the molecular mechanisms
underlying them are poorly understood. Now, Tripodi and colleagues describe,
on p. 6119, a new
dorsal-to-ventral migratory pathway in developing mouse brain that runs from
the basal telencephalon to the pre-optic area and anterior hypothalamus. The
researchers report that the nuclear receptors COUP-TFI and COUP-TFII are
differentially expressed in cells that follow distinct migratory routes in the
developing telencephalon. Ectopic expression of COUP-TFs increases the rate of
cell migration and cell dispersal, and the exact pathway that migrating cells
follow in transplantation experiments depends on which COUP-TF they express.
Thus, the researchers speculate, COUP-TFs could regulate the guidance cues
that direct tangential cell migrations in the developing telencephalon.
Related articles in Development:
- The COUP-TF nuclear receptors regulate cell migration in the mammalian basal forebrain
- Marco Tripodi, Alessandro Filosa, Maria Armentano, and Michèle Studer
Development 2004 131: 6119-6129.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
