Gene regulation in the formation of the central nervous system

In this review recent advances in our understanding of the genetic control of central nervous system development will be discussed. Stem and/or progenitor cells in the neuroepithelium of the neural tube differentiate into neurons and glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is an emerging picture of how key regulatory genes act to control various steps in this differentiation pathway, including organization along the anterio-posterior and dorso-ventral body axes. Examples from our own research on nestin and Notch genes will also be presented. It is our hope that information about the biology of these genes may shed light on the nature of the central nervous system stem cell and its developmental decisions.