Hierarchical control of sensory neuron development by neurotrophic factors.
We are still far from reaching a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control neuronal diversification during nervous system development. In this issue of Neuron, Luo et al. bring that goal a step closer by revealing how a hierarchical interaction between two neurotrophic factor systems drives the differentiation, maturation, and extension of peripheral projections in a subclass of sensory neurons that mediate pain perception.
Ibáñez
Carlos F
CF
Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden. carlos.ibanez@ki.se
Ernfors
Patrik
P
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D020917:Receptor, trkA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor; D020917:Receptor, trkA