title: Transcriptional co-regulation of neuronal migration and laminar identity in the neocortex.
abstract: The cerebral neocortex is segregated into six horizontal layers, each containing unique populations of molecularly and functionally distinct excitatory projection (pyramidal) neurons and inhibitory interneurons. Development of the neocortex requires the orchestrated execution of a series of crucial processes, including the migration of young neurons into appropriate positions within the nascent neocortex, and the acquisition of layer-specific neuronal identities and axonal projections. Here, we discuss emerging evidence supporting the notion that the migration and final laminar positioning of cortical neurons are also co-regulated by cell type- and layer-specific transcription factors that play concomitant roles in determining the molecular identity and axonal connectivity of these neurons. These transcriptional programs thus provide direct links between the mechanisms controlling the laminar position and identity of cortical neurons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Kwan
authors.forename: Nenad
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sestan
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Anton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D019579:Neocortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology*; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D014157:Transcription Factors