Slit-Robo interactions during cortical development.
Interneurons are an integral part of cortical neuronal circuits. During the past decade, numerous studies have shown that these cells, unlike their pyramidal counterparts that are derived from the neuroepithelium along the lumen of the lateral ventricles, are generated in the ganglionic eminences in the subpallium. They use tangential migratory paths to reach the cortex, guided by intrinsic and extrinsic cues. Evidence is now emerging which suggests that the family of Slit proteins, acting through Robo receptors, play a role not only in axon guidance in the developing forebrain, but also as guiding signals in the migration of cortical interneurons. Here we describe the patterns of expression of Slit and Robo at different stages of forebrain development and review the evidence in support of their role in cortical interneuron migration. Slit-Robo signal transduction mechanisms are also important during normal development in a number of systems in the body and in disease states, making them potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurological disorders and certain types of cancer.
Andrews
William D
WD
Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Barber
Melissa
M
Parnavelas
John G
JG
D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000502:physiology; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007395:Interneurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D000097905:Roundabout Proteins
D006023:Glycoproteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D000097905:Roundabout Proteins; C120566:slit protein, vertebrate