Topic: Sonic Hedgehog

The proper formation of neural circuits depends on the precise pathfinding of axons, which is mediated by various molecules. While the expression of specific guidance molecules by different cells in the nervous system has been well characterized, the mechanisms underlying the secretion and delivery of these molecules to growing axons remain relatively unexplored.In this study, we used ex vivo live imaging techniques to investigate the guidance of commissural axons in the chicken embryo. Our findings reveal that multiple populations of guidepost cells employ long filopodia, known as cytonemes,

In the central nervous system (CNS), the formation of functional neuronal networks during development depends on the ability of neuroepithelial progenitor (NEPs) to generate neurons and glial cells – oligodendrocytes and astrocytes - in a highly specific manner, both temporally and spatially. In the ventral neural tube, depending on both its concentration and timing of exposure, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) - released by the notochord and floor plate cells - regulates expression of transcription factors that demarcate distinct NEP domains dedicated to sequentially generate specific neuronal and glial