Abstract
Information processing in the nervous system depends on the creation of specific synaptic connections between neurons and targets during development. The homeodomain transcription factor Otx1 is expressed in early-generated neurons of the developing cerebral cortex. Within layer 5, Otx1 is expressed by neurons with subcortical axonal projections to the midbrain and spinal cord. Otx1 is also expressed in the precursors of these neurons, but is localized to the cytoplasm. Nuclear translocation of Otx1 occurs when layer 5 neurons enter a period of axonal refinement and eliminate a subset of their long-distance projections. Otx1 mutant mice are defective in the refinement of these exuberant projections, suggesting that Otx1 is required for the development of normal axonal connectivity and the generation of coordinated motor behavior.
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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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Autoradiography
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Axons / physiology*
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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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Cerebral Cortex / growth & development*
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Cerebral Cortex / physiology
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Corpus Callosum / anatomy & histology
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Corpus Callosum / growth & development
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Homeodomain Proteins*
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In Situ Hybridization
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Inferior Colliculi / anatomy & histology
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Inferior Colliculi / growth & development
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Mice
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Mice, Mutant Strains
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
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Neural Pathways / cytology
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Neural Pathways / growth & development
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Neural Pathways / physiology
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Neurons / physiology*
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Otx Transcription Factors
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Rats
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Rats, Long-Evans
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Thalamus / anatomy & histology
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Thalamus / growth & development
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Transcription Factors*
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Visual Cortex / anatomy & histology
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Visual Cortex / growth & development
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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OTX1 protein, human
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Otx Transcription Factors
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Otx1 protein, mouse
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Transcription Factors