A genetic programme for neuronal connectivity.
What is the nature of the genetic programme that allows neurons to extend their axons and connect to other neurons with a high degree of specificity? Work on the sensory neurons of the fly has shown how the control of neuronal identity is embedded in the general developmental programme of the organism. The ongoing analysis of pathfinding mutants suggests plausible mechanisms for the translation of neuronal identity into axonal behaviour.
Ghysen
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A
Laboratoire de Neurogénétique, INSERM E0012 Université Montpellier II, cc103, place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France. aghysen@univ-montp2
Dambly-Chaudière
C
C
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D009154:Mutation; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D012679:Sense Organs / Q000254:growth & development*