The role of pro-neural factors in specifying neuronal progenitors and in promoting neuronal differentiation is conserved from Drosophila to vertebrates. This primer discusses the basic functions of pro-neural factors in neurogenesis, mechanisms of pro-neural factor function, and models for how pro-neural factors generate neuronal subtypes. The primer also features a dialog about current topics and future directions in the field between two experts in neurogenesis: Andrew Jarman, Ph.D., and Jane Johnson, Ph.D.
Developmental Dynamics 234:808-813, 2005. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.