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Segmental organization of embryonic diencephalon

Nature volume 363, pages 630–634 (1993)Cite this article

Abstract

THE diencephalon is a complex integration centre and intricate relay station of the vertebrate brain1–3. Its development involves the generation of great cellular diversity and neuronal specificity. We report here that it becomes organized in steps, through a stereotyped sequence of neuromeric subdivisions. Diencephalic neuromeres define four cellular domains (D1–D4) that can be followed throughout development, each unit contributing to a well defined part of the adult structural pattern. We propose that the segmental identity of each diencephalic unit is specified by a unique combination of genes4–13, maintained by polyclonal cell lineage restrictions. A comparison of vertebrate and arthropod development suggests that the basic principles that control anterior axial patterning and set up neuronal specificity in the embryonic central nervous system are highly conserved in evolution.

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Author notes

  1. Michael C. Figdor

    Present address: Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, 91125, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Histology and Embryology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria

    Michael C. Figdor

  2. Department of Human Anatomy, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, 0X13QX, UK

    Claudio D. Stern

Authors
  1. Michael C. Figdor
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  2. Claudio D. Stern
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Figdor, M., Stern, C. Segmental organization of embryonic diencephalon. Nature 363, 630–634 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1038/363630a0

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