Combinatorial Expression Patterns of LIM-Homeodomain and Other Regulatory Genes Parcellate Developing Thalamus

摘要: The anatomical and functional organization of dorsal thalamus (dTh) ventral (vTh), two major regions the diencephalon, is characterized by their parcellation into distinct cell groups, or nuclei, that can be histologically defined in postnatal animals. However, because complexity dTh vTh difficulties defining nuclei at early developmental stages, our understanding mechanisms control differentiation limited. We have a set regulatory genes, which include five LIM-homeodomain transcription factors ( Isl1 , Lhx1 Lhx2 Lhx5 Lhx9 ) three other genes Gbx2 Ngn2 Pax6 ), are differentially expressed mice but overlapping patterns mark subsets nuclei. These exhibit differential expression as embryonic day 10.5, when neurogenesis begins; most them detected progenitor cells exit cycle. Soon thereafter, very similar to those we observe postnatally, indicating unique combinations these specific groups from time they generated later Our findings suggest act combinatorial manner specification nuclei-specific properties thalamic within vTh. may also influence pathfinding targeting thalamocortical axons through both cell-autonomous non-autonomous mechanisms.