Early Central Nervous System Development Research Articles

Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type Z Negatively Regulates Oligodendrocyte Differentiation and Myelination

BackgroundFyn tyrosine kinase-mediated down-regulation of Rho activity through activation of p190RhoGAP is crucial for oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Therefore, the loss of function of its counterpart protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) may enhance myelination during development and remyelination in demyelinating diseases. To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether Ptprz, a receptor-like PTP (RPTP) expressed abuntantly in oligodendrocyte lineage cells, is involved in this process, because we recently revealed that p190RhoGAP is a physiological substrate for Ptprz.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe found an early onset of the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP), a major protein of the myelin sheath, and early initiation of myelination in vivo during development of the Ptprz-deficient mouse, as compared with the wild-type. In addition, oligodendrocytes appeared earlier in primary cultures from Ptprz-deficient mice than wild-type mice. Furthermore, adult Ptprz-deficient mice were less susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by active immunization with myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide than were wild-type mice. After EAE was induced, the tyrosine phosphorylation of p190RhoGAP increased significantly, and the EAE-induced loss of MBP was markedly suppressed in the white matter of the spinal cord in Ptprz-deficient mice. Here, the number of T-cells and macrophages/microglia infiltrating into the spinal cord did not differ between the two genotypes after MOG immunization. All these findings strongly support the validity of our hypothesis.Conclusions/SignificancePtprz plays a negative role in oligodendrocyte differentiation in early central nervous system (CNS) development and remyelination in demyelinating CNS diseases, through the dephosphorylation of substrates such as p190RhoGAP.

Spatiotemporal profile of N-cadherin expression in the mossy fiber sprouting and synaptic plasticity following seizures

Recurrent seizures can induce mossy fiber sprouting (MFS), of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and synaptic reorganization in mature brain. This changes local circuits and provides a structural basis for epileptogenesis in the hippocampus. However, the mechanisms of MFS and synaptic reorganization still remain unclear. Neural-cadherin (N-cadherin), a calcium adhesion molecule, plays an important role in neurite outgrowth, pathfinding, and synaptic specificity of early central nervous system development. It is unknown whether N-cadherin is involved in MFS after seizures in mature brain. To further examine the correlation between MFS and N-cadherin expression, we separately labeled MFS and N-cadherin with Timm staining and antibody in adult rats after status epilepticus (SE). Timm staining revealed that MFS is observed in the inner molecular layer of dentate gyrus of rats 2 and 4 weeks after SE. The observed MFS migrated from the hilus to the granule cell layer, gradually extending axons into the inner molecular layer to form an intense band. Immunohistochemical staining of N-cadherin revealed that the upregulated expression of N-cadherin was concentrated in the position of mossy fiber axonal sprouts of rats 1-4 weeks after SE, and that it was earlier than MFS. The spatial and temporal distribution consistence of N-cadherin and Timm staining supported the correlation that exists between N-cadherin expression and the process of aberrant MFS. This result suggests that N-cadherin may be involved in the pathfinding and synaptic specificity of MFS in mature brain after seizures, and can play an important role in the targeted growth of mossy fibers.

FGF17, a gene involved in cerebellar development, is downregulated in a patient with Dandy–Walker malformation carrying a de novo 8p deletion

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are important signaling molecules which act during early vertebrate central nervous system development. FGF17, together with FGF8, is a key factor in the patterning of the mid-hindbrain region with a complex picture of spatiotemporal gene expression during the various stages of cerebellar development. Disruption or reduced expression of fgf17 in mice has been associated with cerebellar vermis abnormalities. We have identified a de novo 2.3-Mb deletion of chromosome 8p21.2-p21.3 in a girl with severe growth retardation, seizures, and classical Dandy-Walker malformation. Analysis of gene expression in blood lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts revealed markedly reduced levels of FGF17, which is located 1Mb from the proximal deletion breakpoint. This is the first report of a human cerebellar malformation associated with transcriptional downregulation of the FGF17 gene.

The effect of methylmercury exposure on early central nervous system development in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo

Much attention is focused on environmental contamination by heavy metals. The heavy metal mercury is found worldwide and is ranked number 3 on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act substance list. We examined the effect of low-level methylmercury exposure on central nervous system development of wild-type zebrafish embryos (ZFEs) of the AB strain because methylmercury is the most common form of mercury to which humans are exposed in the environment. ZFEs were exposed to nine different concentrations of methylmercury [0 (negative control), 5, 10, 50, 80, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 parts per billion (μg l(-1) )] starting at 6 h post-fertilization, which is the time the neural tube is first beginning to form. ZFEs were exposed to 2% ethanol as positive controls (100% embryonic death). ZFEs were assessed at 30, 54, 72 and 96 h post-fertilization for changes in embryonic development, mortality, time of hatching and morphological deformities. No abnormalities were observed in ZFEs exposed to 5 μg l(-1) methylmercury. The time of hatching from the chorion was delayed in ZFEs exposed to methylmercury concentrations of 50 μg l(-1) or higher. Significantly more ZFEs exposed to 0, 5 or 10 μg l(-1) methylmercury successfully completed hatching compared with ZFEs exposed to 50 μg l(-1) or higher methylmercury. ZFEs exposed to more than 200 μg l(-1) methylmercury exhibited 100% embryonic mortality. The rate of cell proliferation within the neural tube was significantly decreased in embryos exposed to 10, 50 and 80 μg l(-1) methylmercury and there were no differences between these doses.

Visual Activity Regulates Neural Progenitor Cells in Developing Xenopus CNS through Musashi1

Regulation of progenitor cell fate determines the numbers of neurons in the developing brain. While proliferation of neural progenitors predominates during early central nervous system (CNS) development, progenitor cell fate shifts toward differentiation as CNS circuits develop, suggesting that signals from developing circuits may regulate proliferation and differentiation. We tested whether activity regulates neurogenesis invivo in the developing visual system of Xenopus tadpoles. Both cell proliferation and the number of musashi1-immunoreactive progenitors in the optic tectum decrease as visual system connections become stronger. Visual deprivation for 2days increased proliferation of musashi1-immunoreactive radial glial progenitors, while visual experience increased neuronal differentiation. Morpholino-mediated knockdown and overexpression of musashi1 indicate that musashi1 is necessary and sufficient for neural progenitor proliferation in the CNS. These data demonstrate a mechanism by which increased brain activity in developing circuits decreases cell proliferation and increases neuronal differentiation through the downregulation of musashi1 in response to circuit activity.

Neurogenesis in an annelid: Characterization of brain neural precursors in the polychaete Capitella sp. I

Intertaxonomic comparisons are important for understanding neurogenesis and evolution of nervous systems, but high-resolution, cellular studies of early central nervous system development and the molecular mechanisms controlling this process in lophotrochozoans are still lacking. We provide a detailed cellular and molecular description of early brain neurogenesis in a lophotrochozoan annelid, Capitella sp. I. We utilized different approaches including DiI lineage tracing, immunohistochemistry, BrdU labeling, and gene expression analyses to characterize neural precursor cells in Capitella sp. I. Brain neurogenesis proceeds by the ingression of single cells from the anterior ectoderm to generate a stratified epithelial layer. Most cell divisions are restricted to apically localized cells with mitotic spindles oriented parallel to the epithelial layer. Prior to and during this process, an achaete-scute complex homolog, CapI-ash1, is expressed in clusters of surface cells in the anterior ectoderm, consistent with a proneural function for CapI-ash1. In contrast, a homolog of the neural differentiation marker elav, CapI-elav1, is restricted to basally localized cells within the forming brain. Unlike insects, Capitella sp. I does not have morphologically obvious enlarged neuroblasts, although Capitella sp. I brain neurogenesis displays several similarities with non-insect arthropod and vertebrate neurogenesis, providing a useful lophotrochozoan model for comparison.

Two Mass-Spectrometric Techniques for Quantifying Serine Enantiomers and Glycine in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Potential Confounders and Age-Dependent Ranges

The recent discovery and specific functions of D-amino acids in humans are bound to lead to the revelation of D-amino acid abnormalities in human disorders. Therefore, high-throughput analysis techniques are warranted to determine D-amino acids in biological fluids in a routine laboratory setting. We developed 2 chromatographic techniques, a nonchiral derivatization with chiral (chirasil-L-val column) separation in a GC-MS system and a chiral derivatization with Marfey's reagent and LC- MS analysis. We validated the techniques for D-serine, L-serine, and glycine determination in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), evaluated several confounders, and determined age-dependent human concentration ranges. Quantification limits for D-serine, L-serine, and glycine in cerebrospinal fluid were 0.14, 0.44, and 0.14 micromol/L, respectively, for GC-MS and 0.20, 0.41, and 0.14 micromol/L for LC-MS. Within-run imprecision was <3% for both methods, and between-run imprecision was <13%. Comparison of both techniques with Deming regression yielded coefficients of 0.90 (D-serine), 0.92 (L-serine), and 0.96 (glycine). Sample collection, handling, and transport is uncomplicated-there is no rostrocaudal CSF gradient, no effect of storage at 4 degrees C for 1 week before storage at -80 degrees C, and no effect of up to 3 freeze/thaw cycles. Conversely, contamination with erythrocytes increased D-serine, L-serine, and glycine concentrations. CSF concentrations for 145 apparently healthy controls demonstrated markedly and specifically increased (5 to 9 times) D-serine concentrations during early central nervous system development. These 2 clinically applicable analysis techniques will help to unravel pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic issues for disorders associated with central nervous system abnormalities, NMDA-receptor dysfunction, and other pathology associated with D-amino acids.

Reduced gray matter brain volumes are associated with variants of the serotonin transporter gene in major depression

The serotonergic system is involved in the pathophysiology of major depression as well as in the early central nervous system development and adult neuroplasticity. The aim of the study was to examine in 77 patients with major depression and 77 healthy controls the association between the triallelic polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and gray matter (GM) brain volumes measured with 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging. Voxel-based morphometry were estimated on magnetic resonance images and genotyping was performed. We found that healthy controls have a strong association between the 5-HTTLPR and GM volumes of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left anterior gyrus cinguli, left amygdala as well as right hippocampus, whereas there is no such association in patients with major depression. Healthy subjects carrying the S- or L(G)-allele have smaller GM volumes than those with the L(A)-allele, indicating that 5-HTTLPR contributes to the development of brain structures. Patients with depression show reduced GM volumes, particularly when they are homozygous for the L(A)-allele, suggesting that these patients are more vulnerable for morphological changes during depressive episodes.

All-trans retinol and retinol-binding protein from embryonic cerebrospinal fluid exhibit dynamic behaviour during early central nervous system development

Embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (E-CSF) is involved in the regulation of survival, proliferation and neurogenesis of neuroectodermal progenitor cells, as well as in the control of mesencephalic gene expression in collaboration with the isthmic organizer. Recently, we showed the presence of retinol-binding protein (RBP) within the E-CSF proteome. RBP is an all-trans retinol carrier, a molecule that can be metabolized into retinoic acid, a morphogen involved in central nervous system (CNS) morphogenesis and patterning. Here we demonstrate the presence of all-trans retinol within the E-CSF and analyse the dynamics of RBP and all-trans retinol within this fluid, as well as the expression of retinoic acid-synthesizing enzymes during early CNS development. Our results suggest a relationship between the dynamics of these molecules and the early events of CNS patterning.

MicroRNA Expression Profile in Murine Central Nervous System Development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression in a post-transcriptional sequence-specific manner. In order to better understand the possible roles of miRNAs in central nervous system (CNS) development, we examined the expression profile of 104 miRNAs during murine brain development. We obtained brain samples from animals at embryonic days (E) E15, E17, and postnatal days (P) P1 and P7. Total RNA was isolated from tissue and used to obtain mature miRNAs by reverse transcription. Our results indicate that there is a group of 12 miRNAs that show a distinct expression profile, with the highest expression during embryonic stages and decreasing significantly during development. This profile suggests key roles in processes occurring during early CNS development.

Methylmercury and the Developing Brain

We reported that prenatal exposure to methylmercury causes cognitive impairment in an estimated 316,588 children born in the United States each year, costing this nation $8.7 billion annually in lost productivity (Trasande et al. 2005). Each year, this exposure also causes an estimated 1,566 cases of mental retardation (Trasande et al. 2006). The principal (70%) source of the mercury that enters the bodies of American children is combustion of coal in electricity-generating plants. In their reanalysis of our data, Griffiths et al. (2007) made a series of incorrect judgments and poorly considered assumptions, each of which diminishes the import of our findings. We note the following errors in their analysis: First, Griffiths et al. (2007) incorrectly used a linear model to relate cognitive function to prenatal methylmercury exposure, despite the National Research Council’s (NRC) clear finding that a logarithmic model provides a better statistical fit. The NRC, in their examination of the Faroe Islands cohort study, the study on which they place greatest reliance, stated that “[b]ecause these calculations necessitate extrapolating to estimate the mean response at zero exposure level,” logarithmic models “lead to lower estimates of the Benchmark Dose (BMD) than linear or K-power models” (NRC 2000, p. 294). Recent analyses of early childhood lead exposure further corroborate the validity of logarithmic models in representing subclinical dose–response relationships of neuro-developmental injury (Canfield et al. 2003). Second, Griffiths et al. (2007) unwisely based their analysis on potentially biased data from the Seychelles cohort study. By contrast, our model (Trasande et al. 2005), like that of the NRC, is based primarily on Faroes data. We chose not to use Seychelles data because of concern that the tests of neurobehavioral function used there were not well validated for a non-American population and therefore may not have been sensitive to detect cognitive impairment (Landrigan and Goldman 2003). Another major potential source of bias in the Seychelles study, not acknowledged by Griffiths et al. (2007), is that it fails to consider the potentially beneficial nutrients found in the fish-based diet of the Seychelles. These nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids in particular, may partially offset the toxicity of methylmercury. Indeed, if maternal fish intake is taken into account in the Seychelles cohort, as recently was done, the estimate of methylmercury toxicity increases (Budtz-Jorgensen et al. 2007). Griffiths et al. (2007) cited previous meta-analyses of the Faroes, Seychelles, and New Zealand studies by Ryan (2005) in applying IQ decrements of 0.13–0.18 points/ppm hair mercury, but these are likely underestimates, and further invalidate the analysis of Griffiths et al. Third, in attributing mercury deposition to sources of emission, Griffiths et al. (2007) relied inexplicably and without justification on a mathematical model that posits that only 16% of deposits are attributable to American sources. They ignored empiric data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-sponsored Steubenville study, which found that 80–90% of mercury emissions deposit within 30–50 miles of the source (U.S. EPA 2007); and from the Electric Power Research Institute, which estimated that 30% of mercury deposits are attributable to American sources (Seigneur et al. 2004). Fourth, Griffiths et al. (2007) incorrectly assumed that reductions in mercury emissions from power plants do not result in any reduced levels of fish contamination until after 15 years. This is not correct. Reductions in power-plant emissions in 2008 will, in fact, begin immediately to minimize methylmercury body burden among children born to women in 2008, and the degree of reduction will increase further in subsequent years, perhaps through 2038, thus reducing the number of children damaged, the severity of the prenatal brain damage in these children, and the resulting economic burden. Finally, Griffiths et al. (2007) incorrectly based their estimate of the economic value of a child’s social productivity on the 1992 Current Population Survey rather than on the currently available 2005 data set. This miscalculation substantially underestimates the economic impact of methylmercury on the developing brain. Viscusi and Aldy (2004) estimated that this value is currently on the order of $4–9 million/child, a value far greater than that used by Griffiths et al., and greater even than our estimate.

NOGO-A induction and localization during chick brain development indicate a role disparate from neurite outgrowth inhibition

BackgroundNogo-A, a myelin-associated protein, inhibits neurite outgrowth and abates regeneration in the adult vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) and may play a role in maintaining neural pathways once established. However, the presence of Nogo-A during early CNS development is counterintuitive and hints at an additional role for Nogo-A beyond neurite inhibition.ResultsWe isolated chicken NOGO-A and determined its sequence. A multiple alignment of the amino acid sequence across divergent species, identified five previously undescribed, Nogo-A specific conserved regions that may be relevant for development. NOGO gene transcripts (NOGO-A, NOGO-B and NOGO-C) were differentially expressed in the CNS during development and a second NOGO-A splice variant was identified. We further localized NOGO-A expression during key phases of CNS development by in situ hybridization. CNS-associated NOGO-A was induced coincident with neural plate formation and up-regulated by FGF in the transformation of non-neural ectoderm into neural precursors. NOGO-A expression was diffuse in the neuroectoderm during the early proliferative phase of development, and migration, but localized to large projection neurons of the optic tectum and tectal-associated nuclei during architectural differentiation, lamination and network establishment.ConclusionThese data suggest Nogo-A plays a functional role in the determination of neural identity and/or differentiation and also appears to play a later role in the networking of large projection neurons during neurite formation and synaptogenesis. These data indicate that Nogo-A is a multifunctional protein with additional roles during CNS development that are disparate from its later role of neurite outgrowth inhibition in the adult CNS.

A Tale of Two Citrullines—Structural and Functional Aspects of Myelin Basic Protein Deimination in Health and Disease

Myelin basic protein (MBP) binds to negatively charged lipids on the cytosolic surface of oligodendrocyte membranes and is responsible for adhesion of these surfaces in the multilayered myelin sheath. The pattern of extensive post-translational modifications of MBP is dynamic during normal central nervous system (CNS) development and during myelin degeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting its interactions with the myelin membranes and with other molecules. In particular, the degree of deimination (or citrullination) of MBP is correlated with the severity of MS, and may represent a primary defect that precedes neurodegeneration due to autoimmune attack. That the degree of MBP deimination is also high in early CNS development indicates that this modification plays major physiological roles in myelin assembly. In this review, we describe the structural and functional consequences of MBP deimination in healthy and diseased myelin.

Multi-germ layer lineage central nervous system repair: nerve and vascular cell generation by embryonic stem cells transplanted in the injured brain

To restore proper function to a damaged central nervous system (CNS) through transplantation, it is necessary to replace both neural and nonneural elements that arise from different germ layers in the embryo. Mounting evidence indicates the importance of signals related to vasculogenesis in governing neural proliferation and differentiation in early CNS development. Here, the authors examined whether embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived progenitors can selectively generate both neural and endothelial cells after transplantation in the damaged CNS. Injections of 20 nmol N-methyl-D-aspartate created a unilateral striatal injury in 7-day-old rats. One week postinjury, murine ESCs, neural-induced with retinoic acid, were transplanted into the injured striatum. Histological staining, laser confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy of grafted ESCs were performed 1 week posttransplantation. Transplanted ESCs differentiated into neural cells, which segregated into multiple pools and formed neurons that conformed to host cytoarchitecture. The ESCs also generated endothelial cells, which integrated with host cells to form chimeric vasculature. The combination of ESC pluripotentiality and multiple germ layer differentiation provides a new conceptual framework for CNS repair.

Active sleep and its role in the prevention of apoptosis in the developing brain

The aim of this study is to identify a possible function of Active Sleep (AS), also known as Rapid Eye Movement Sleep (REM) in humans, as a protective state during early Central Nervous System (CNS) development. Previous research suggest pharmacological agents that inhibit high levels of neuronal activity in the CNS (e.g., benzodiazepines, ethanol, and anesthetics) precipitate massive CNS programmed cell death (PCD), in developing mammals. AS is characterized by high levels of CNS activity at levels comparable to waking. AS occupies up to 75% of the circadian cycle in developing mammals (rodents from postnatal days 1–14 days (p1–p14), and humans from prenatal month seven to postnatal year one). Many studies have implicated AS as having an active role in the normal development of the visual system and have documented myriad behavioral anomalies as a result of AS deprivation. Reduced adult brain mass has also been observed after AS deprivation in developing rats during this period, however, no study to date has documented this process as it occurs (i.e., the cellular mechanisms that result in behavioral anomalies or reduced adult brain mass). The purpose of this study is to begin documentation of this process by utilizing histological techniques that identify the PCD process, if it occurs, after acute and prolonged AS deprivation in rats from ages p7 to p14 (a time of active synaptogenesis). Our methodology includes utilization of the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine, to deprive rat pups of AS at ages varying from p7 to p14. Pilot data from our laboratory has shown that an acute exposure to clonidine significantly reduces time spent in AS. The animals that were AS deprived also showed a statistically significant decrease in brain mass and have stained positively for PCD. If our hypotheses are correct, this research will have major implications with regard to determining the function(s) of REM sleep.

A Novel Membrane-associated Glycovariant of BEHAB/Brevican Is Up-regulated during Rat Brain Development and in a Rat Model of Invasive Glioma

BEHAB (brain-enriched hyaluronan-binding protein)/brevican is the most abundant chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in the extracellular matrix of the adult rat brain. BEHAB/brevican expression is up-regulated coincident with glial cell proliferation and/or motility, including during early central nervous system development and in invasive glioma. An understanding of the molecular interactions that mediate BEHAB/brevican function is still in its infancy because of the existence of several BEHAB/brevican isoforms, each of which may mediate different functions. Here, we describe a novel BEHAB/brevican isoform, B/b130, and demonstrate that it is neither the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked splice variant of BEHAB/brevican nor a cleavage product of the full-length protein (B/b150). B/b130 is an underglycosylated isoform of BEHAB/brevican, lacking glycosaminoglycan chains as well as most of the sugars that invest B/b150. B/b130 localizes exclusively to the particulate fraction of rat brain and associates with the cell membrane by a previously undescribed calcium-independent mechanism. In addition, B/b130 is the major isoform of BEHAB/brevican that is up-regulated in a rat model of invasive glioma and may therefore contribute to the invasive ability of glioma cells. Further understanding of BEHAB/brevican isoforms will advance our knowledge of the function of this ECM component and may help identify new potential therapeutic targets for primary brain tumors.

Identification of SorCS2, a novel member of the VPS10 domain containing receptor family, prominently expressed in the developing mouse brain.

We report the identification of a fourth member of the VPS10 domain containing receptor family, SorCS2, highly expressed in the developing and mature murine central nervous system. During early central nervous system development its main site of expression is the floor plate. In addition, high transcript levels were detected transiently in a variety of brain regions including the dopaminergic midbrain nuclei and the dorsal thalamus. Outside the nervous system expression is detected in lung and heart and transiently in a variety of mesodermally derived tissues.

Neural development, cell-cell signaling, and the "two-hit" hypothesis of schizophrenia.

To account for the complex genetics, the developmental biology, and the late adolescent/early adulthood onset of schizophrenia, the "two-hit" hypothesis has gained increasing attention. In this model, genetic or environmental factors disrupt early central nervous system (CNS) development. These early disruptions produce long-term vulnerability to a "second hit" that then leads to the onset of schizophrenia symptoms. The cell-cell signaling pathways involved in nonaxial induction, morphogenesis, and differentiation in the brain, as well as in the limbs and face, could be targets for a "first hit" during early development. These same pathways, redeployed for neuronal maintenance rather than morphogenesis, may be targets for a "second hit" in the adolescent or adult brain. Furthermore, dysregulation of cell-cell signaling by a "first hit" may prime the CNS for a pathologic response to a "second hit" via the same signaling pathway. Thus, parallel disruption of cell-cell signaling in both the developing and the mature CNS provides a plausible way of integrating genetic, developmental, and environmental factors that contribute to vulnerability and pathogenesis in schizophrenia.

Staufen: a common component of mRNA transport in oocytes and neurons?

Mammalian homologues of Staufen, a protein involved in localizing mRNAs during oogenesis and early central nervous system development in Drosophila, have been identified recently. The mammalian staufen gene encodes a protein containing several conserved double-stranded mRNA-binding domains and is expressed in hippocampal neurons. The mammalian Staufen protein forms granules that are transported to the distal dendrite during neuronal maturation. The Staufen granules colocalize with ribonuclear particles that transport mRNA to the dendrites. These findings might provide clues to a mechanism of mRNA transport conserved in mammalian neurons and Drosophila oogenesis.

Genetic interactions during hindbrain segmentation in the mouse embryo.

The process by which a simple flat sheet of cells in the early embryo proliferates and differentiates into the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the most fascinating problems of modern biology. This is not only because of the importance of the CNS in adult life, but also because of the enormous quantity and complexity of cell connections that have to be established with extraordinary precision. Large-scale genetic screens in invertebrate model systems such as Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila have revealed in significant detail the genetic components required for early CNS development and some aspects of the basic programme appear to have been conserved throughout evolution in the animal kingdom. In this chapter we will detail our current understanding of the development of the early vertebrate nervous system, with particular reference to the mouse hindbrain.KeywordsRetinoic AcidNeural CrestNeural Crest CellBranchial ArchRetinoic Acid SignallingThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.