Abstract
The six distinct laminae within the mammalian cerebral cortex contain neurons that exhibit a wide variety of specific physiological properties and synaptic connections. This diversity emerges from a restricted progenitor pool within the embryonic cortical ventricular zone. Individual cortical progenitors produce multiple subtypes over a prolonged period during corticogenesis. This article describes classical studies that suggest that neurogenesis in the cerebral cortex is dependent on asymmetric divisions, where one daughter remains in a progenitor state while the other exits to become a mature neuron. The present understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating both asymmetric cell division and the sequential production of different neuronal subtypes during development is reviewed. However, as yet only a subset of the factors controlling each of these two events has been identified. This suggests that present genetic approaches will soon significantly extend our understanding of these developmental processes.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Neuroscience |
Publisher | Elsevier Ltd |
Pages | 785-791 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780080450469 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- Asymmetric cell division
- Cell fate specification
- Cerebral cortex
- Cortical layer
- Cortical progenitor
- Neurogenesis
- Radial glial cell
- Subventricular zone
- Ventricular zone
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience