0000000001008617
AUTHOR
Paolo Sordino
A peek inside the neurosecretory brain throughOrthopedialenses
The wealth of expression and functional data presented in this overview discloses the homeogene Orthopedia (Otp) as critical for the development of the hypothalamic neuroendocrine system of vertebrates. Specifically, the results depict the up-to-date portrait of the regulation and functions of Otp. The development of neuroendocrine nuclei relies on Otp from fish to mammals, as demonstrated for several peptide and hormone releasing neurons. Additionally, the activity of Otp is essential for the induction of the dopaminergic phenotype in the hypothalamus of vertebrates. Recent insights into the pathways required for Otp regulation have revealed the implication of the main extracellular signal…
09-P102 Somitogenesis and development of primary motor neurons: The role of the homeobox uncx4.1
The gene uncx4.1 is a paired-type homeobox transcription factor, expressed during zebrafish embryonic development in branchial arches, somites, CNS and pronephric ducts. In particular, the expression at the somite level is detectable from 5ss stage and becomes progressively posteriorly and ventrally restricted to the presumptive myoblast cells in later stages. Interestingly, the progressive restriction of uncx4.1 activity anticipates and accompanies the appearance of the first outgrowing primary motor axons. Indeed, after uncx4.1 expression is not detected anymore in medial somitic cells, a ventrally projecting CaP motor axons emerge from the ventro-lateral spinal cord. In relation with mus…