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Agenda
Research NewsThe Ericson, Rijli, and Goridis/Brunet groups recently published a report (Genes and Development 17(6): 729-37, 2003) about the role of coordinated integration of A-P and D-V patterning gene activity and cell-type specific gene activity in the specification of serotonergic neurons in the hindbrain. This is the first example of cell fate determination arising as an integration of these different classes of patterning genes, illustrating the complexity of genetic mechanisms that are responsible for patterning brainstem neuron groups. The Glover group recently published a report (Journal of Comparative Neurology 457:87-105, 2003) about the anatomical relationships of the vestibular nuclear complex. This is the first study in which a parallel analysis of cytoarchitecture and hodology (axon projection pathways) has been made for this important set of brainstem nuclei, allowing for direct comparison in the same embryo. The Ericson group has a report coming out soon in Nature Neuroscience demonstrating an essential role for the Lmx1b gene in regulating the development of serotonergic neurons. This important population of neurons modulates a number of neural systems in the brain and is involved in such disparate functions as sleep, pain, arousal, depression, hunger and satiety, and movement. The identification of key genes involved in the development of serotonergic neurons may therefore provide future tools for diagnosing and treating disorders of serotonergic regulation.
OTHER NewsJohan Ericson was recently awarded the prestigious Jahres Prize for Young Researchers. This prize is awarded annually to young Scandinvaian scientists who have made significant contributions to biomedical science at an internationally recognized level. The award ceremony will take place later this year in Oslo, Norway.
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