Genetics Of Patterning The Cerebral Cortex: How Stem Cells Yield Functional Regions In 'Gray Matter'

Scientists report that they have identified the first genetic mechanism that determines the regional identity of progenitors tasked with generating the cerebral cortex. Their discovery reveals a critical period during which a LIM homeodomain transcription factor known as Lhx2 decides over the progenitors' regional destiny: Once the window of opportunity closes, their fate is sealed.