Abstract
In the developing cerebral cortex, cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic signals govern the establishment of neuron subtype-specific identity. Here we show that, within the niche of the striatum, the expression of a single transcription factor, Fezf2, is sufficient to generate corticofugal neurons from progenitors fated to become medium spiny neurons. This demonstrates that a specific population of cortical projection neurons can be directed to differentiate outside of the cortex by cell-autonomous signaling.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Differentiation / genetics
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Cell Differentiation / physiology*
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Cerebral Cortex / cytology*
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Corpus Striatum / cytology*
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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Embryo, Mammalian
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Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
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Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
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Neurons / classification
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Neurons / physiology*
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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Zfp312 protein, mouse
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Green Fluorescent Proteins