Early neocortical regionalization in the absence of thalamic innervation

Science. 1999 Aug 6;285(5429):906-9. doi: 10.1126/science.285.5429.906.

Abstract

There is a long-standing controversy regarding the mechanisms that generate the functional subdivisions of the cerebral neocortex. One model proposes that thalamic axonal input specifies these subdivisions; the competing model postulates that patterning mechanisms intrinsic to the dorsal telencephalon generate neocortical regions. Gbx-2 mutant mice, whose thalamic differentiation is disrupted, were investigated. Despite the lack of cortical innervation by thalamic axons, neocortical region-specific gene expression (Cadherin-6, EphA-7, Id-2, and RZR-beta) developed normally. This provides evidence that patterning mechanisms intrinsic to the neocortex specify the basic organization of its functional subdivisions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / chemistry
  • Axons / physiology*
  • Cadherins / genetics
  • Calbindin 2
  • Carbocyanines
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Gene Expression
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / physiology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Proteins
  • Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Neocortex / anatomy & histology
  • Neocortex / embryology*
  • Neocortex / growth & development
  • Neocortex / metabolism
  • Nerve Fibers / physiology
  • Nerve Fibers / ultrastructure
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
  • Receptors, Melatonin
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein G / analysis
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / analysis
  • Telencephalon / embryology
  • Telencephalon / growth & development
  • Telencephalon / physiology
  • Thalamus / anatomy & histology
  • Thalamus / embryology*
  • Thalamus / growth & development
  • Thalamus / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • Calbindin 2
  • Carbocyanines
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Gbx2 protein, mouse
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Idb4 protein, mouse
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Proteins
  • Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Receptors, Melatonin
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein G
  • Transcription Factors
  • 3,3'-dioctadecylindocarbocyanine
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase
  • K cadherin