Dynamic expression patterns of Nkx6.1 and Nkx6.2 in the developing mes-diencephalic basal plate

Abstract

The components of the molecular codes needed to specify the different neuronal populations present in the basal neural tube are being identified. These codes become more intricate as we move to more anterior regions of the central nervous system. The aim of this study is to thoroughly analyze the expression pattern of Nkx6.1, Nkx6.2, and Pou4f1. These three genes are candidates to play an important role in the determination and differentiation of the basal nuclei of the mesencephalon and diencephalon. The results obtained have shown that there is a longitudinal domain positive for both Nkx6.1 and Nkx6.2 that is medial to the Pou4f1-positive red nucleus. This domain could correspond to part of the reticular formation, which extends from the diencephalon and the mesencephalon. The nuclei integrated in this domain would be the rostral interstitial nucleus, the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, and a mesencephalic equivalent to these nuclei. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.