The specification and differentiation of serotonergic (5-HT) neurons require both extrinsic signaling molecules and intrinsic transcription factors to work in concert or in cascade. Here we identify the genetic cascades that control the specification and differentiation of 5-HT neurons in mice. A major determinant in the cascades is an LIM homeodomain-containing gene, Lmx1b, which is required for the development of all 5-HT neurons in the central nervous system. Our results suggest that, during development of 5-HT neurons, Lmx1b is a critical intermediate factor that couples Nkx2-2-mediated early specification with Pet1-mediated terminal differentiation. Moreover, our data indicate that genetic cascades controlling the caudal and rostral 5-HT neurons are distinct, despite their shared components.
CITATION STYLE
Ding, Y. Q., Marklund, U., Yuan, W., Yin, J., Wegman, L., Ericson, J., … Chen, Z. F. (2003). Lmx1b is essential for the development of serotonergic neurons. Nature Neuroscience, 6(9), 933–938. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1104
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