Title
Neuronal temporal identity in post-embryonic Drosophila brain
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Neurobiology
Date
10-2007
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Animals; Brain; Cell Differentiation; Drosophila; Drosophila Proteins; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neurons; Stem Cells
Disciplines
Neuroscience and Neurobiology
Abstract
Understanding how a vast number of neuron types derive from a limited number of neural progenitors remains a major challenge in developmental neurobiology. In the post-embryonic Drosophila brain, specific neuron types derive from specific progenitors at specific times. This suggests involvement of time-dependent cell fate determinants acting as 'temporal codes' along with lineage cues to specify neuronal cell fates. Interestingly, such temporal codes might be provided not only by several regulators acting in sequence, but also by the differential protein levels of the BTB-zinc finger nuclear protein Chinmo. Identifying temporal codes and determining their origins should allow us to elucidate how neuronal diversification occurs through protracted neurogenesis.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Trends Neurosci. 2007 Oct;30(10):520-6. Epub 2007 Sep 6. Link to article on publisher's site