Abstract
A classic model proposes that the mammalian neocortex is divided into areas early in neurogenesis, but the molecular mechanisms that generate the area map have been elusive. Here we provide evidence that FGF8 regulates development of the map from a source in the anterior telencephalon. Using electroporation-mediated gene transfer in mouse embryos, we show that augmenting the endogenous anterior FGF8 signal shifts area boundaries posteriorly, reducing the signal shifts them anteriorly, and introducing a posterior source of FGF8 elicits partial area duplications, revealed by ectopic somatosensory barrel fields. These findings support a role for FGF signaling in specifying positional identity in the neocortex.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Body Patterning
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Brain Mapping
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Cadherins / metabolism
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Electroporation
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Fibroblast Growth Factor 8
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Fibroblast Growth Factors / genetics
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Fibroblast Growth Factors / metabolism*
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Gene Expression
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Gene Transfer, Horizontal
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Mice
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Neocortex / embryology*
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Neocortex / metabolism
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Protein-Tyrosine Kinases*
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Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3
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Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / genetics
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Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / metabolism
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Signal Transduction
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Solubility
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Somatosensory Cortex / embryology
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Vibrissae / innervation
Substances
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Cadherins
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Cdh8 protein, mouse
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Fgf8 protein, mouse
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Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor
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Fibroblast Growth Factor 8
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Fibroblast Growth Factors
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Fgfr3 protein, mouse
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Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
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Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3
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K cadherin