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Neurogenesis and neuronal circuit formation in the D rosophila visual center
Author(s) -
Suzuki Takumi,
Sato Makoto
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
development, growth and differentiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.864
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1440-169X
pISSN - 0012-1592
DOI - 10.1111/dgd.12151
Subject(s) - neuroscience , neurogenesis , medulla , biology , biological neural network , primordium , lobe , anatomy , genetics , gene
The D rosophila optic lobe is composed of a wide variety of neurons that form laminar structures and columnar units. The fly optic lobe shares structural features with the mammalian brain, and fly genetics allow precise genetic manipulations. Thus, the D rosophila visual center is an excellent model for studying the mechanisms underlying the establishment of a functional neuronal circuit during brain development. However, little is understood about the developmental mechanisms that produce neuronal diversity and establish neuronal circuits in the medulla, the largest component of the optic lobe. Our recent research revealed key features of medulla development, such as birth‐order‐dependent specification of neuronal types and the subdivision of the medulla primordium into concentric zones, which is characterized by the expression of four transcription factors. Here, we review recent investigations into the development of the medulla and discuss the mechanisms that establish functional neuronal circuits.