Two critical periods of Sonic Hedgehog signaling required for the specification of motor neuron identity

Article Abstract:

Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling is required for the short-range induction of floor plate cells by the notochord and separately, for the induction of motor neurons by both the notochord and midline neural cells. Two periods of SSH signaling are crucial for motor neuron generation, namely, an early period where naive neural plate cells are converted into ventralized progenitors and a late period that even reaches the S phase of the final progenitor cell division. During this late period, SHH drives the differentiation of ventralized progenitors into motor neurons.

Genetic aspects, Vertebrates, Cell differentiation

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Specification of motor neuron identity by the MNR2 homeodomain protein

Article Abstract:

The role of the motor neuron homeobox gene, MNR2, in the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway of the motor neuron generation was assessed. Motor neuron differentiation necessitates spatial signals given by Shh which is secreted from the notochord and the floor plate. It was discovered that MNR2 influenced the mechanism of somatic motor neuron transcription factors and induced the expression of ChAT, the gene required in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a motor neuron neurotransmitter.

Developmental neurology, Homeobox genes

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Motor neuron-derived retinoid signaling specifies the subtype identity if spinal motor neurons

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to determine if a retinoid-mediated signal provided by one subset of early-born spinal motor neurons specifies the identity of a later-born subset of motor neurons and imposes a local variation in the number of motor neurons developed at varying axial levels. Results confirmed the validity of theoretical evidence. The future of later-born neurons may be derived as a response to signals provided by early-born neurons.

Cover Story, Central nervous system, Retinoids

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