[Transcription factor network that regulates neural development].
In the developing nervous system, neural stem cells initially proliferate extensively by symmetric cell division and then give rise to neurons by asymmetric cell division. After production of neurons, neural stem cells finally differentiate into glial cells. These processes are regulated by basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors: the repressor-type bHLH factors promote maintenance of neural stem cells and differentiation of glial cells, whereas the activator-type bHLH factors induce production of neurons. There are many subtypes of neurons, and bHLH factors alone are not sufficient but other factors such as homeodomain factors are required for specification of these neuronal subtypes. These transcription factors will be useful for regeneration of the nervous system.
Kageyama
Ryoichiro
R
Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
D000818:Animals; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000235:genetics; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology*; D009457:Neuroglia; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D051880:Receptors, Notch / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology
D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D051880:Receptors, Notch