Transcriptional control of GABAergic neuronal subtype identity in the thalamus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The thalamus is often defined as the 'gateway to consciousness', a feature that is supported by the specific connectivity and electrophysiological properties of its neurons. Inhibitory GABAergic neurons are required for the dynamic gating of information passing through the thalamus. The high degree of heterogeneity among thalamic GABA neurons suggests that, during embryonic development, alternative differentiation programmes exist to guide the acquisition of inhibitory neuron subtype identity.

Results

Taking advantage of the accessibility of the developing chick embryo, we have used in ovo manipulations of gene expression to test the role of candidate transcription factors in controlling GABAergic neuronal subtype identity in the developing thalamus.

Conclusion

SUBMITTER: Sellers K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4065548 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature