title: A peek inside the neurosecretory brain through Orthopedia lenses.
abstract: The wealth of expression and functional data presented in this overview discloses the homeogene Orthopedia (Otp) as critical for the development of the hypothalamic neuroendocrine system of vertebrates. Specifically, the results depict the up-to-date portrait of the regulation and functions of Otp. The development of neuroendocrine nuclei relies on Otp from fish to mammals, as demonstrated for several peptide and hormone releasing neurons. Additionally, the activity of Otp is essential for the induction of the dopaminergic phenotype in the hypothalamus of vertebrates. Recent insights into the pathways required for Otp regulation have revealed the implication of the main extracellular signals acting during hypothalamic development. Alterations in these pathways are involved in several neuronal disorders, and the resultant downstream misregulation of Otp might impair the development of the hypothalamus, and be therefore responsible for the neuroendocrine dysfunctions that typify these diseases.
authors: Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy. luca.delgiacco@unimi.it
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Del Giacco
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Pistocchi
authors: Franco
authors: F
authors: Cotelli
authors: Antonio Emidio
authors: AE
authors: Fortunato
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Sordino
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C490261:OTP protein, human