The origin and specification of cortical interneurons

Nat Rev Neurosci. 2006 Sep;7(9):687-96. doi: 10.1038/nrn1954. Epub 2006 Aug 2.

Abstract

GABA-containing interneurons are crucial to both the development and function of the cerebral cortex. Unlike cortical projection neurons, which have a relatively conserved set of characteristics, interneurons include multiple phenotypes that vary on morphological, physiological and neurochemical axes. This diversity, and the relatively late, context-dependent maturation of defining features, has challenged efforts to uncover the transcriptional control of cortical interneuron development. Here, we discuss recent data that are beginning to illuminate the origins and specification of distinct subgroups of cortical interneurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics*
  • Cell Lineage / genetics
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / embryology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
  • Humans
  • Interneurons / cytology*
  • Interneurons / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Telencephalon / cytology
  • Telencephalon / embryology
  • Telencephalon / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins