Transcriptional control of midbrain dopaminergic neuron development.
Although loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons is associated with one of the most common human neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease, little is known about the specification of this neuronal subtype. Hence, the recent identification of major transcriptional determinants regulating the development of these neurons has brought much excitement and encouragement to this field. These new findings will help to elucidate the genetic program that promotes the generation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Importantly, these discoveries will also significantly advance efforts to differentiate stem cells into midbrain dopaminergic neurons that can be used for therapeutic use in treating Parkinson's disease.
Ang
Siew-Lan
SL
Division of Developmental Neurobiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK. sang@nimr.mrc.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
D014157:Transcription Factors; D004298:Dopamine