Define Interneuron Subpopulations in the Mouse Spinal Cord during Development

神经回路的精确组织保证了中枢神经系统（CNS）的正常运作。这些电路的组装需要在发育过程中定义的神经元群的正确规格。我研究的一个目标是了解脊髓神经元功能群形成的发育过程。胚胎脊髓中不同的祖结构域产生运动神经元（MNs）和不同的中间神经元（in）类，每一类都具有独特的分子特征。不同类型的脊髓INs从这些祖域出现，并且，正如最近揭示的，一些经历进一步细分形成异质群体。然而，到目前为止，对控制这种细分的分子机制知之甚少。

Precise organization of neural circuits ensures proper functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). Assembly of these circuits requires correct specification of neuronal populations defined during development. One goal in my research is to understand developmental processes underlying formation of functional groups of spinal neurons. Different progenitor domains in the embryonic spinal cord give rise to the motoneurons (MNs) and different interneuron (IN) classes, each with a unique molecular profile. Distinct types of spinal INs emerge from these progenitor domains, and, as recently revealed, some undergo further subdivision to form heterogeneous populations. As yet, however, little is known about molecular mechanisms that govern such subdivision.