Abstract
GABAergic interneurons are inhibitory neurons of the nervous system that play a vital role in neural circuitry and activity. They are so named due to their release of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and occupy different areas of the brain. This review will focus primarily on GABAergic interneurons of the mammalian cerebral cortex from a developmental standpoint. There is a diverse amount of cortical interneuronal subtypes that may be categorized by a number of characteristics; this review will classify them largely by the protein markers they express. The developmental origins of GABAergic interneurons will be discussed, as well as factors that influence the complex migration routes that these interneurons must take in order to ultimately localize in the cerebral cortex where they will integrate with the neural circuitry set in place. This review will also place an emphasis on the transcriptional network of genes that play a role in the specification and maintenance of GABAergic interneuron fate. Gaining an understanding of the different aspects of cortical interneuron development and specification, especially in humans, has many useful clinical applications that may serve to treat various neurological disorders linked to alterations in interneuron populations.
Similar content being viewed by others
Introduction
Interneurons play a vital role in the wiring and circuitry of the developing nervous system of all organisms, both invertebrates and vertebrates alike. Generally speaking, an interneuron is a specialized type of neuron whose primary role is to form a connection between other types of neurons. They are neither motor neurons nor sensory neurons, and also differ from projection neurons in that projection neurons send their signals to more distant locations such as the brain or the spinal cord. Of great importance is that interneurons function to modulate neural circuitry and circuit activity [1–4]. A large majority of interneurons of the central nervous system are of the inhibitory type. In contrast to excitatory neurons, inhibitory cortical interneurons characteristically release the neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine [5–7]. Cortical interneurons are so named for their localization in the cerebral cortex, which is defined as a sheet of outer neural tissue, that functions to cover the cerebrum and cerebellum structures in the brain.
This review will place an emphasis on the function and origin of GABAergic cortical interneurons of the developing nervous system. Within the overarching categorization of GABAergic interneurons there are also numerous interneuron subtypes that are largely categorized based on the surface markers they express. Three major cortical interneuron subtypes will be discussed: parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons, a heterogeneous population of somatostatin (SST)-expressing interneurons, and a relatively recently identified population of the ionotropic serotonin receptor 5HT3a (5HT3aR)-expressing interneurons; together, these three subtypes account for approximately 100 percent of the mouse neocortical GABAergic interneuronal population [8]. Although these interneurons home to their respective layers of the cerebral cortex, they are generated in various subpallial locations; the primary origins of these interneuronal progenitors will be extensively discussed as well. The subsequent migratory routes that these interneuronal precursors take to the cerebral cortex are also covered here.
Of particular interest as of late in this field of research is mapping the network of transcription factors that are responsible for specifying cortical interneurons and specific interneuronal subtype. This review is organized such that the transcription factors are organized and discussed based on the major interneuronal origins in the subpallium. The most arduous task that researchers face is understanding the mechanism by which each interneuron subtype is specified as well as the various genes and transcription factors that may be involved; this is not helped by the fact that there are so many subtypes whose features often overlap with one another.
Of utmost importance with regard to cortical circuitry is the balance between excitatory inputs and inhibitory inputs that must be carefully maintained. Disrupting the balance of neural circuits may very well be a contributing factor toward the emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disabilities, just to name a few [9]. This review focuses on one severe mental illness in particular, schizophrenia. Gaining an understanding of cortical interneurons within the “bigger picture” of neocortical circuitry may provide much needed information behind the etiologies of neurological disorders.
Role of GABAergic cortical interneurons
Given that the population of GABAergic interneurons in the brain is such a heterogeneous one, it is only logical that the many different classes of interneurons will have a myriad of roles to play in the adult nervous system. GABAergic neurons play an inhibitory role and synaptically release the neurotransmitter GABA in order to regulate the firing rate of target neurons. Neurotransmitter release typically acts through postsynaptic GABAA ionotropic receptors in order to trigger a neuronal signaling pathway.
This research field typically organizes interneuron role/function into three components: (1) afferent input, (2) intrinsic properties of the interneuron, and (3) targets of the interneuron. Generally speaking, interneurons receive input from various sources, including pyramidal cells as well as cells from other cortical and subcortical regions [10, 11]. With regard to output, cortical interneurons engage in feed-forward and feedback inhibition [12–14]. Regardless of the mode of output, the cortical interneuronal network is further complicated by the fact that a single cortical interneuron is capable of making multiple connections with its excitatory neuronal target(s) [15].
Cortical interneuron subtype
It is estimated that there are over 20 different subtypes of GABAergic interneurons in the cortex, and subtypes are also distinguished from one another based upon the calcium-binding proteins they express, which serve as markers (Table 1) [16–24]. Studies performed in both mouse and rat brain tissue have suggested that in particular, the calcium-binding protein known as parvalbumin, and the neuropeptide somatostatin, are two crucial markers in defining the most predominant interneuron subtypes within the cerebral cortex [16, 20, 22]. Importantly, the PV-expressing interneuron population is independent from the SST-expressing population, in that expression of these markers does not overlap [16, 20, 22, 25]. In addition to PV- and SST-positive GABAergic interneurons, which together comprise approximately 70% of the total GABAergic cortical interneuron population, another subgroup of interneurons that express 5HT3aR were found to comprise approximately 30% of all interneurons [25]. While these three interneuronal subpopulations account for nearly (if not all) 100% of all GABAergic cortical interneurons, it is also important to remember that each of these populations, especially the 5HT3aR-expressing population, is heterogeneous, and therefore expresses other proteins or neuropeptides that contribute to their characterization.
In the recent years there has been a push to create a consistent nomenclature for the varying interneuronal subtypes; a 2005 conference in Petilla, Spain, was held to accomplish this task. A group of researchers known as the Petilla Interneuron Nomenclature Group (PING) convened to formulate a set of terminologies to describe the morphological, molecular, and physiological features of GABAergic cortical interneurons [16]. Morphologically speaking, cortical interneurons are described with regard to their soma, dendrites, axons, and the connections they make. Molecular features include transcription factors, neuropeptides, calcium-binding proteins, and receptors these interneurons express, among many others. Physiological characteristics include firing pattern, action potential measurements, passive or subthreshold parameters, and postsynaptic responses, to name a few [16]. The overarching goal of this conference and the resulting Petilla terminology is to create a uniform set of criteria by which interneurons can be described so as to reduce confusion between the findings by various research groups in this field. While results from the Petilla conference have shown that there are many criteria with which to define and distinguish classes of interneurons, this review will classify interneuron subtypes based on the markers they express, particularly PV, SST, or 5HT3aR, and elaborate upon each of these three groups.
Parvalbumin-expressing interneurons
The PV interneuron group represents approximately 40% of the GABAergic cortical interneuron population [8]. This population of interneurons possesses a fast-spiking pattern, and fire sustained high-frequency trains of brief action potentials [10, 16, 17, 22, 26]. Additionally, these interneurons possess the lowest input resistance and the fastest membrane time constant of all interneurons [10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 27, 28].
Two types of PV-interneurons make up the PV interneuron group: basket cells and chandelier cells [16, 22]. Far more is understood about basket cells, which are interneurons that make synapses at the soma and proximal dendrite of target neurons, and usually have multipolar morphology [16, 22]. Several studies have shown that fast-spiking basket neurons are the dominant inhibitory system in the neocortex, where they mediate the fast inhibition of target neurons, among many other functions [29–35]. As will be discussed in a later section, fast-spiking basket neurons likely play a large role in regulating the delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs in the cerebral cortex [36, 37].
Much less is known about the second subgroup of PV-expressing interneurons, the chandelier cells. Unlike basket neurons, chandelier cells target the axon initial segment of pyramidal neurons [16, 22]. Both basket cells and chandelier cells are fast-spiking, but they differ in electrophysiological properties, as reviewed by Woodruff et al[38]. Several relatively recent studies have suggested that in contrast to other interneurons, chandelier cells may be excitatory rather than inhibitory due to their depolarizing effects on membrane potential [38–40], although the functions of this subgroup have yet to be elucidated.
One research group has characterized a group of PV-expressing cells that is independent from chandelier and basket neurons in the mouse neocortex [41]. These interneurons were designated multipolar bursting cells, and differ from chandelier and basket cells in both electrophysiology and connectivity [41]. Multipolar bursting neurons possess synapses with pyramidal cells (or other multipolar bursting cells) that demonstrate a paired-pulse facilitation; in contrast, chandelier and basket cells are usually strongly depressing [41]. While this group of interneurons holds promise as a third subgroup within the PV-expressing interneuron type, further investigation is warranted, as no other research groups have characterized these neurons.
Somatostatin-expressing interneurons
The SST-expressing interneuron group is the second-largest interneuron group in the mouse neocortex, representing roughly 30% of the total cortical interneuron population [8]. SST-positive interneurons are known as Martinotti cells, and possess ascending axons that arborize layer I and establish synapses onto the dendritic tufts of pyramidal neurons [22]. Martinotti cells are found throughout cortical layers II-VI, but are most abundant in layer V [14, 22, 42]. These interneurons function by exhibiting a regular adapting firing pattern but also may initially fire bursts of two or more spikes on slow depolarizing humps when depolarized from hyperpolarized potentials. In contrast to PV-positive interneurons, excitatory inputs onto Martinotti cells are strongly facilitating [43–47]. More details regarding the electrophysiology and firing patterns of SST-expressing Martinotti cells can be found in a review by Rudy et al[8].
Results from several studies have suggested that the SST interneuron population is a heterogeneous one. Ma et al generated a mouse line designated as X94, whereby GFP expression (encoded for by random insertion of the GFP gene) was controlled by the GAD67 promoter; cells from this line express SST but differ from Martinotti cells in many aspects [48]. These cells were located in layers IV and V that, unlike, Martinotti cells, targeted cells from cortical layer IV [48]. X94 cells also possessed a lower input resistance relative to Martinotti cells, with spikes of a shorter duration and a stuttering firing pattern [48]. This evidence clearly suggests that there are other interneuronal subgroups within the SST subtype than just Martinotti cells. McGarry and colleagues have reported that another transgenic mouse line contains two distinct, SST-positive cells that primarily occupy layers II and III [49]. Like the X94 cells, these two populations of interneurons differ electrophysiologically than Martinotti cells, although additional research must be performed to truly determine their presence, as other research groups have not been able to duplicate these findings [26, 50, 51].
It is clear that there are likely additional subpopulations of SST-expressing cortical interneurons. This is bolstered by the observed differences in firing properties, expression of molecular markers, and connectivity of different neurons within this population [8, 49, 50, 52, 53]. Additional research in this field is warranted, as the SST-expressing population of GABAergic interneurons is such a large one.
5HT3aR Interneuron group
The third group of GABAergic cortical interneurons was initially characterized in a study by Lee et al, and is designated as the 5HT3aR interneuron group [25]. This study utilized both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to demonstrate the existence of a population of GABAergic interneurons in the mouse cortex that express the 5HTa3 receptor, but neither PV nor SST; this population accounts for approximately 30% of the GABAergic cortical interneuron population [25]. Due to its relatively recent discovery, this group has yet to be fully characterized, although it is evident that this population is a very heterogeneous one.
Within the 5HT3aR interneuron group are several subsets of interneurons that also express other protein or neuropeptide markers, one of them being vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) [22, 26, 54]. VIP-expressing interneurons are localized in cortical layers II and III, and while they express neither PV nor SST, Lee et al confirmed that this subset does indeed express the 5HTa3 receptor and accounts for approximately 40% of the 5HT3aR population [25]. VIP interneurons generally make synapses onto dendrites [25, 55, 56], and some have been observed to target other interneurons [57, 58]. Relative to all cortical interneurons, VIP interneurons possess a very high input resistance and are among the most excitable of interneurons [25, 55, 56].
There are several types of VIP cortical interneurons that differ in electrophysiological properties, but in general they possess a bipolar, bitufted and multipolar morphology [22, 26, 54, 56]. One VIP subtype in particular is commonly referred to as irregular-spiking neurons [17, 25, 55, 56, 59–61]. Irregular spiking interneurons possess a vertically oriented, descending axon that extends to deeper cortical layers, and have an irregular firing pattern that is characterized by action potentials occurring irregularly during depolarizations near threshold [17, 25, 55, 56, 59–61]. Additionally, irregular spiking cortical interneurons express the calcium-binding protein calretinin (CR) [56, 61], which is a marker that some SST-positive interneurons also possess (and interestingly, also a marker that neither VIP nor SST interneurons express) [25, 55, 56, 62].
There are several other subtypes of VIP-expressing 5HT3aR interneurons present in the cerebral cortex, which are nicely summarized by Rudy et al[8]. Briefly, among these are rapid-adapting [63], fast-adapting neurons [25, 56] and IS2 [61], as well as a minor population of VIP-positive basket cells with regular, bursting, or irregular-spiking firing patterns [22, 26, 64].
60% of cortical interneurons in the 5HT3aR-expressing group do not express VIP [25]. Of this VIP-negative 5HT3aR group, nearly 80% express the interneuronal marker reelin [56]. Neurogliaform cells are a type of cortical interneuron that belongs to this category: they are also known as spiderweb cells and express neuropeptide Y (NPY), with multiple dendrites radiating from a round soma [22, 65]. Neurogliaform cells are unique relative to other GABAergic cortical interneurons because they are capable of forming synaptic connections with each other as well as with other interneuronal types (as opposed to other interneurons that can only make synapses onto homologous neurons), thus solidifying their important role in regulating neural circuitry [66–68]. Furthermore, neurogliaform cells function by activating slow GABAA and GABAB receptors in order to provoke long lasting inhibitory postsynaptic potentials onto pyramidal neurons and other interneurons [65, 69]. Other subtypes exist within the 5HT3aR-positive, VIP-negative group as well; see the 2010 review by Rudy et al[8]. While progress has certainly been made in distinguishing interneuron groups from one another, further research is definitely warranted.
Origin of GABAergic cortical interneurons
Cortical interneurons are born in the ganglionic eminences
Throughout embryogenesis, interneurons are primarily generated in a structure broadly termed the ganglionic eminence (GE) (Figure 1) [70]. The GE is a transitory brain structure located in the ventral area of the telencephalon, and is anatomically present during embryonic development. The GE becomes evident at approximately E11.5 in the developing murine system [71]. In total there are three ganglionic eminences: the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE), and the lateral ganglionic eminence (LGE). The names of the different areas within the GE are based on their rostral-caudal location in the telencephalon. As embryonic development continues, the GEs grow and ultimately fuse, at which point they are no longer present in the mature brain. The MGE and CGE are the primary sources of cortical interneurons in the developing nervous system.
Origin of GABAergic Cortical Interneurons. Anatomy of the embryonic telencephalon at approximately embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5), showing the major origins of GABAergic cortical interneurons. A Sagittal (top) view of the telencephalon. The MGE is labeled in pink and represents Lhx6- Nkx2.1-positive areas. MGE-derived interneurons ultimately express either PV or SST in the cerebral cortex. The CGE is labeled in light blue and represents Lhx6-positive, Nkx2.1-negative areas. CGE-derived interneurons ultimately express 5HT3aR in the cortex. The gray-labeled area represents Dlx1/Mash1-expressing areas. The black dotted line represents the migratory route interneuron precursors take to the cortex. B Coronal view of the telencephalon. Interneuronal progenitors originating in the LGE are labeled in blue; MGE-derived progenitors are labeled in green, and interneurons from the preoptic area are labeled in red. Abbreviations: CR, calretinin; CGE, caudal ganglionic eminence; IN, interneuron; LGE, lateral ganglionic eminence; MGE, medial ganglionic eminence; OB, olfactory bulb; PV, parvalbumin; POA, preoptic area; SST, somatostatin.
Several crucial studies during the 1980s demonstrated that contrary to the previous postulation that cortical interneurons originate in the underlying cortical ventricular zone, the majority of GABAergic interneurons are actually born in the ganglionic eminences. Van Eden and colleagues first showed, utilizing analysis of GABA-positive cells in the developing rodent cerebral cortex, that cells presumed to be GABAergic interneurons seemed to be migrating away from the subpallium [72]. This crucial observation spawned several other studies that subsequently discovered that indeed, interneurons must migrate from the subpallium to their final destinations in the cortex. To corroborate Van Eden et al’s findings, BrdU labeling of cells in the subpallium were found to accumulate in the cerebral cortex throughout the course of neurogenesis; importantly, these BrdU labeled cells were GABA-positive, implicating these cells as cortical interneurons [73]. Additional studies utilizing fluorescent dye labeling of neurons and an in vitro migratory assay with DiI showed that these interneurons display the same migratory pattern from the ganglionic eminence to the mature cerebral cortex [74, 75]. Use of retroviruses to track neural cell lineage also contributed the early yet important study that excitatory and inhibitory neurons are actually generated independently from one another and do not share a common lineage [76, 77]. Rakic and Lombroso later confirmed that the telencephalon consists of two separate domains: one containing the GEs that serves as the source of inhibitory, GABAergic interneurons, and a second in which excitatory neurons are generated [78]. The formerly mentioned domain is also termed the subpallial compartment, whereas the latter is referred to as the pallial compartment. Later studies demonstrated that distinct cortical interneuron subtypes are derived from specific regions within the GEs, as will now be discussed.
Medial ganglionic eminence
The medial ganglionic eminence has long been regarded as a primary source of GABAergic cortical interneurons; it is thought to be the site of origin of approximately~ 50-60% of the cortical interneuron population in mice [63, 79, 80]. With regard to interneuron subtype, the MGE gives rise to most of the PV- and SST-expressing interneuron population [80]. To break this down, studies have demonstrated that in vitro, approximately 65% of MGE-derived interneurons express parvalbumin, with the remainder of the MGE-derived interneuronal population (~35%) expressing somatostatin [81, 82]. In vivo experiments have confirmed these initial findings [63, 81, 83–85]. Of note, the SST-positive subset that is derived from the MGE is a heterogenous population with regard to morphology, electrophysiology, and expression of reelin, NPY, and/or CR [50, 56].
It remains to be elucidated how PV-expressing and SST-expressing GABAergic cortical interneurons are spatially segregated within the MGE itself, and to what extent this spatial segregation occurs. Flames et al have suggested that the MGE may actually consist of several progenitor domains, each of which may serve as an origin for unique classes of interneurons [84].
Caudal ganglionic eminence
The CGE itself is unique in that it is somewhat of a “hybrid” of the MGE and LGE: similar to the MGE, the ventral-most CGE expresses transcription factor Nk×2.1, and the dorsal region of the CGE expresses the transcription factor Gsh2, which is required for proper patterning of the LGE [86]. The caudal ganglionic eminence has been shown to be the second-greatest contributor of interneuron progenitors, producing approximately 30-40% of all cortical interneurons [87–89]. While this is a substantial percentage, the CGE proves to be a difficult place of origin to objectively study due to the challenge of consistently defining this region. Fate mapping CGE-derived interneurons and subsequently determining the exact proportion these interneurons make up within the whole cortical interneuron population has therefore proven to be quite problematic. Nery et al were the first to show, via in utero transplantation analyses, that a certain percentage of interneurons destined for the cortex indeed originates in the CGE [89]. Other studies have utilized both in vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm this initial discovery, and have further added that CGE-derived interneurons are bipolar or double-bouquet in morphology [63, 79]. These interneurons express CR (not SST) and/or VIP [63, 79]. Recently, Miyoshi and colleagues utilized genetic fate mapping approach to corroborate the finding that the CGE is indeed a source of cortical interneurons [56].
Findings from several studies suggest that 5HT3aR-expressing cortical interneurons are actually largely CGE-derived, as demonstrated by EGFP visualization in the 5HT3aR-BACEGFP mouse [90–92]. Lee et al combined the Nkx2.1-BACcre and the cre-dependent red R26RtdRFP reporter with 5HT3aR-BACEGFP in order to exclude the MGE as a possible source of this population of interneurons [25]. Overlap of cells labeled in red and cells labeled in green was not observed, and since the Nk×2.1-BACcre line labels MGE-derived cortical interneurons, the MGE can thus be discounted as a source of 5HT3aR interneurons [25]. Additionally, the Mash1-BACCreER; R26RtdRFP mouse line, which is CGE-specific, displayed significant and near complete overlap with 5HT3aR-expressing cells, confirming the CGE as the major source of 5HT3aR-positive cortical interneurons [25].
Embryonic preoptic area (POA)
A very recent study by Gelman et al has demonstrated that in addition to the ganglionic eminences, the embryonic preoptic area (POA) should also be considered a source of cortical GABAergic interneurons [93]. The POA is a region of the hypothalamus, and results from this study suggest that this area contributes approximately 10% of all GABAergic interneurons in the murine cerebral cortex.
Lateral ganglionic eminence
While it is largely agreed upon that the MGE and CGE serve as the primary source of cortical interneurons in the developing rodent nervous system, the possibility of the LGE as a third source has also been heavily debated. Results from several studies have allowed the conclusion that the LGE is at most a minor contributor of interneurons [85, 87, 94]. However, observations from a few studies do suggest otherwise: Sussel and colleagues reported that Nkx2.1 mutants, in which normal MGE tissue fails to form, show a 50% reduction in cortical interneuron numbers relative to wild-type [95]. If the MGE was the origin of the majority of cortical interneurons, only a 50% reduction implies that there are clearly other areas of the brain responsible for generating interneurons. More convincing evidence has shown that at E15.5, the LGE-like region in Nkx2.1 mutants demonstrates strong cellular migration to the developing cortex [87, 88]. BrdU labeling of neural progenitors also supports the notion of a cellular migratory route from the LGE to the cortex during embryogenesis, although only a portion of the BrdU labeled cells were also GABA-positive [87]. Additionally, Jimenez and colleagues discovered that when the MGE is removed in explants taken from rat embryos, cellular migration from the LGE to the cortex continued to be observed, suggesting that the migrating cells are not MGE cells merely passing through the LGE [96].
Specification of cortical interneurons
There has been a recent push in the study of GABAergic interneurons to understand and create a transcriptional network that regulates GABAergic interneuron development, migration to the cortex, and ultimately maturation to the appropriate adult phenotype. To understand the complexity of the transcriptional network and identify other candidate genes involved in the production and patterning of interneurons in the mammalian cortex, it is most logical to separate the various transcription factors based on the three primary origins of cortical interneurons: the medial ganglionic eminence, the caudal ganglionic eminence, and the embryonic preoptic area (Figure 2).
Specification of GABAergic Cortical Interneurons. With regard to the specification of MGE-derived interneuronal progenitors, several transcription factors play a role. Shh signaling activates Nk×2.1, which is the key transcription factor in specifying PV- and SST-positive interneurons from this region. Lh×6 and Lh×8 are transcription factors that lie downstream of Nk×2.1; they also aid in the specification of PV and SST interneurons (see text). Sox6 lies downstream of both Nkx2.1 and Lhx6/8. The Dlx homeobox family of genes play a key role in specification of CGE-derived cortical interneurons, although they also function to maintain the PV-expressing subset of MGE-derived interneurons (Dlx5 in particular). Arx is a homeobox transcription factor whose expression is directly affected by Dlx genes; Arx seems to play a role in the migration of interneurons to the cortex. Gsx1 and Gsx2 are both required for the specification of cortical interneurons that originate in the CGE. Mash1 is a downstream transcription factor whose absence results in reduced cortical interneuron numbers; it is required for proper function of the Notch ligand Delta1, which, in the Notch signaling pathway, serves to repress neuronal differentiation. The Dlx genes lie further downstream and play a crucial role in CGE-derived interneuron specification. The molecular mechanisms behind POA interneuron specification are unclear, although Nk×2.1 is expressed by interneurons derived from this area. Lh×6 is not expressed by these interneurons. Nk×5.1 was shown to affect the specification of NPY and Reelin interneurons.
Specification of MGE-derived GABAergic cortical interneurons
There is an extensively studied transcriptional network that plays a role in regulating proper development and specification of MGE-derived GABAergic cortical interneurons (Figure 2). While transcription factors such as the Dlx homeobox genes, Lh×6, and So×6 are crucial toward specification of the PV-positive and SST-positive subset of interneurons derived from the MGE, the major transcription factor that must be taken into account is Nk×2.1 [97–102], whose expression is localized and confined within the MGE [103, 104]. Nk×2.1 expression dictates the generation of both PV- and SST-expressing MGE progenitors, and maintenance of Nk×2.1 expression is activated by Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling [105]. More specifically, the level of Shh signaling within MGE interneuronal progenitor cells seems to be a determinant of what marker these neurons will express, either PV or SST: Xu et al have shown that high levels of Shh signaling preferentially give rise to SST-expressing interneurons, which in turn results in reduced production of PV-expressing interneurons [106]. Complete absence or conditional loss of Nk×2.1 results in reduction of PV- and SST-expressing interneurons, demonstrating its importance for MGE-derived interneuronal specification [99, 100, 102].
A second transcription factor whose role is crucial to MGE-derived interneuronal specification, and whose expression is also confined to the MGE, is Lh×6 [99, 100, 102]. Lh×6 was discovered to be a target of Nk×2.1 [107]. Mutational analyses with regard to Lh×6 have demonstrated its importance in determining the fate of both PV- and SST-positive interneurons: in the absence of Lhx6, MGE-derived neural progenitors are still able to migrate properly to the pallium, but most of these interneurons fail to express either PV or SST; interestingly, an increase in NPY expression is observed [99, 100, 102]. Additionally, Lhx6-deficient interneurons are unable to properly integrate into their respective cortical layers; this observation suggests that factors downstream of Lhx6 contribute to the process of cortical integration [102]. Despite these findings, the PV- and SST-expressing population of cortical interneurons is not completely eliminated in Lhx mutants, implying that PV-positive and SST-positive interneurons are not solely derived from the MGE [99, 100, 102]. Alternatively, transcription factors other than Nkx2.1 and Lh×6 may be important for the specification of MGE-derived, PV and SST interneurons; this may partially compensate for the loss of Nk×2.1 and Lh×6. Additional studies should be performed to discern other origins of these subsets of cortical interneurons.
It is also important to take into account additional transcription factors that lie downstream of both Nk×2.1 and Lh×6 so as to obtain a better understanding of the specification of MGE-derived interneurons. Recent studies have done just that, and several transcription factors are suggested to act in conjunction with either Nk×2.1 or Lh×6. One such transcription factor is So×6. So×6 is an HMG-box-containing transcription factor that is expressed by MGE-derived GABAergic cortical interneurons; mice lacking Sox6 do not possess PV-positive interneurons and have significant reductions of SST-positive interneurons [97, 98]. Interestingly, proper Lh×6 functioning is required for maintenance of So×6 expression in neurons that are actively migrating toward the cortex, but not in MGE-derived interneuronal progenitors [98, 108].
Another transcription factor that works in conjunction with Lh×6 is Lh×8, which lies downstream of Nk×2.1 and is co-expressed with Lhx6 in MGE-derived neuronal progenitors [95, 109]. While Lh×8-positive cells are not specified to become GABAergic cortical interneurons, mutational analyses of mice lacking both Lh×6 and Lh×8 provide some insight toward the Lh×8’s role in cortical interneuron specification. Lhx6/8 double mutants exhibit significantly reduced MGE-derived interneuron production and defective migration [108]. However, this phenotype is not observed in mice that are mutant for Lh×8 only [108].
The Dlx family of homeobox genes, specifically Dlx1, 2, 5, and 6, also play a role in the specification of MGE interneuronal progenitors, and are expressed in most subpallial neural progenitor cells [110, 111]. The Dlx genes will be discussed more extensively in the following section, seeing as they play a larger role in the specification of CGE-derived cortical interneurons. Dl×5 in particular is expressed in the PV-positive mature interneuronal subset [101]. Wang et al utilized transplantation experiments to demonstrate that loss of Dl×5 or both Dl×5 and 6 in mice manifests as a significant reduction in PV-expressing interneuron numbers, alteration in dendritic morphology, and epilepsy [101].
Specification of CGE-derived GABAergic cortical interneurons
As was previously mentioned, approximately 30% of GABAergic cortical interneurons originate from the CGE. While it was previously thought that the gene expression profile of the CGE was merely an extension of that of the LGE [80, 84, 110, 111], more recent work has suggested that the CGE possesses a unique transcriptional network of its own, making it a bona fide source of cortical interneurons, separate from any other source [111–113].
Of great importance in the specification of CGE-derived interneurons are the homeobox transcription factors known as Gs×1 and Gs×2, both of which are required for the specification of interneuronal progenitors in this region [106]. Xu et al have shown through conditional loss and gain of Gs×2 function that Gs×2 has a hand in the generation of CR-expressing bipolar cortical interneurons [106].
Investigation of genes downstream of Gs×1 and Gs×2 resulted in the discovery of Mash1, a basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor also involved in the interneuron specification process. Mash1 mutants demonstrate significant neuronal loss early in development, as well as reduced cortical interneuron numbers [114]. Mash1 was found to be required to express the Notch ligand Delta1, whose function within the Notch signaling pathway serves to repress neuronal differentiation [114–116]. Thus, loss of Mash1 results in the premature differentiation of cells within the subventricular zone (SVZ) expressing the Dlx genes [114, 115].
As was mentioned in the previous section, the Dl× family of genes are key players in the specification of CGE-derived interneurons. The Dlx genes are located downstream of both Gsx2 and Mash1 [117–120]. With regard to interneuron specification, four Dl× genes – Dl×1, Dl×2, Dl×5, and Dl×6 – are expressed in the developing forebrain, and are central to the specification process [121]. Temporal expression of these four genes follows a Dl×2, Dl×1, Dl×5, and Dl×6 sequence [122, 123]. Gs×2 and Mash1 neural progenitor cells have been shown to simultaneously express Dl×1/2 [110, 115, 124]. Loss of Dl×1/2 function results in the failure of Dl×5/6 expression [110, 115, 124]. Importantly, these Dlx1/2 double mutants exhibit incorrect specification of the LGE/CGE, with inappropriate expression of ventral cortex markers [110, 111]. A detailed analysis of the transcriptional network within the Dlx1/2 double mutants has resulted in the investigation of almost 100 transcription factors that may play a role, both dependently and independently of the Dl× genes, in CGE-derived cortical interneuron specification [110, 111]. An outline of several candidate transcription factors is nicely reviewed by Gelman et al[125].
Specification of embryonic POA-derived GABAergic cortical interneurons
While the embryonic POA is similar to the MGE in that it expresses the transcription factor Nk×2.1, many POA cells do not express the transcription factor Lh×6 [84]. A study by Gelman et al has elegantly showed via fate mapping with a Cre line expressed from transcription factor Nk×5.1 that the POA serves as a source of GABAergic interneurons expressing NPY and/or reelin [126]. Interestingly, none of the other calcium-binding proteins, such as PV, SST, CR or VIP, were expressed in these POA-derived cortical interneurons [126]. It is possible that this population of NPY- and/or reelin-expressing cells may stem from both the CGE and the POA, but additional investigations should be carried out to confirm these speculations. Studies should also be performed to discover the transcription factors and the roles they play in specification of POA-derived cells.
Influence of non-autonomous cell factors on GABAergic interneuron identity
Non-cell autonomous factors and the role they possess in conferring GABAergic cortical interneuron identity must also be taken into account. Lodato et al have shown that certain excitatory neurons are able to control the distribution of GABAergic interneurons within the cortex [127]. Deletion of subcerebral projection neurons and subsequent replacement with callosal projection neurons results in the abnormal lamination of cortical interneurons, along with abnormal GABAergic inhibition [127]. Certain factors may also affect particular subsets of interneurons. Orthodenticle homeobox 2 (Otx2) is a homeoprotein whose expression is required to both open and close a critical period of neural plasticity in the visual cortex of PV-expressing interneurons in mice [128, 129]. It remains to be clarified whether other factors affect the specification of other interneuronal subsets in a non-cell-autonomous manner.
Differences in cortical interneuron origin and specification between rodents and primates
Studies in both primates and humans have determined that differences do exist between rodents and primates with regard to the origins and migratory routes of GABAergic interneurons. This will be briefly discussed, but for more detail refer to the review by Petanjek et al[130].
A few studies have shed light on the fact that the majority of primate GABAergic interneurons, in contrast to rodent cortical interneurons, may not actually originate solely in the GEs [131, 132]. In fact, cortical interneurons in primates have also been shown to have their origins in the proliferative zones of the dorsal telencephalon [131, 133–135]. Letinic and colleagues utilized retroviral labeling in organotypic slice cultures to demonstrate that there are two independent lineages of cortical interneurons in the fetal human forebrain [131]. However, whereas it was previously mentioned that the GE is the primary source of rodent interneurons, this study demonstrated that in a Dl×1/2-positive, Mash1-negative lineage of cortical interneurons in the fetal human forebrain, only 35% of the interneuron population in the proliferative ventricular zone and subventricular zone originates from the GE [131]. To support these findings, the same results were reported in the macaque monkey (Macaca rhesus, Macaca fascicularis) [134].
In addition to differing locations of interneuron origin between species, it is also important to realize that the transcription factors expressed by rodent interneurons and interneuronal precursors may not necessarily overlap with the transcriptional network that governs the development of human GABAergic interneurons. Research to better characterize human interneurons is underway. One such study investigated the expression of transcription factors Nk×2.1, Dlx1/2, Lh×6 and Mash1 in human fetal forebrains during the first half of gestation [136]. All transcription factors were expressed in both the GEs and the ventricular/subventricular zones, and expression was maintained up to 20 gestational weeks. Collectively the data suggest that cortical interneuron populations exist in multiple locations, both ventrally (as described in rodents) and dorsally in the VZ/SVZ [136]. The possibilities that the production of interneurons may follow a different time-course based on origin, or that different areas of production may contribute to the heterogeneity of the cortical interneuron population, should also be taken into account. Findings from a previous study utilizing cryosections and in vitro data also support the existence of multiple sources of cortical interneuron progenitors in the developing human brain [137]. The greater complexity characterizing progenitor populations most likely reflects the higher brain functioning characteristic of humans compared to other organisms.
Migration to the cerebral cortex
Once generated and specified in their respective origins within the ventral telencephalon, GABAergic cortical interneurons face the task of migrating to their ultimate destinations within the cerebral cortex [138]. It has been observed that GABAergic interneurons first begin a tangential route of migration at E12.5 in rodents, a time point that also happens to correspond with the early stages of neurogenesis [80, 139, 140]. At E12.5 in the mouse, an early population of interneurons reaches the cortex, migrating at the level of the preplate, while a second, larger proportion of interneurons migrates through the intermediate zone [139, 141, 142] (IZ). At a later time point of corticogenesis (E14-15), three migratory routes, called tangential migratory streams, are observed in the cortex: the marginal zone (MZ), subplate (SP), and the lower intermediate zone (IZ)/subventricular zone (SVZ) [87, 142, 143]. Migration is, for the most part, complete by birth, with exception of the RMS; the migration route that neurons in the RMS take to reach the olfactory bulb will not be discussed in this review. Like the processes of interneuron generation and specification, migration from the subpallial origins to the cerebral cortex is a complicated undertaking, involving the activity of various motogens, chemotactic factors, transcription factors, as well as neurotransmitters [144, 145]. Each will now be briefly elaborated upon.
Motogens
Motogens are secreted factors that influence newly specified interneurons in their ability to migrate [141]. One such example of a motogen is Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), which was discovered to regulate the migratory abilities of subpallial-derived cortical interneurons. HGF has been found to be required for interneuron migration, and encourages interneurons to migrate away from their sites of origin [146]. mu-PAR nulls (mu-PAR is a required component of the HGF pathway) demonstrate significant deficits in interneuron migration from the GEs to the cortex [146, 147]. In their 2003 study Powell et al also presented the finding that HGF loss of function has an effect on some, but not all, subsets of interneurons [147].
In addition to HGF, the neurotrophin family of genes serve as motogens for migratory cortical interneurons. Various developmental studies have demonstrated that the cortex is positive for neurotrophin expression [148–151], and that the neurotrophin receptors TrkB and TrkC (tyrosine kinase receptors) are expressed by interneurons [152, 153]. One member of the neurotrophins is known as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) [154]. Loss of proper BDNF signaling has been shown to result in a downregulation of cortical interneuron markers [155–157].
Lastly, the neurotrophin glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which is expressed in cortical interneuron migratory routes [158], acts as a motogen for GABAergic interneurons. A 2002 study demonstrated that members of the glial derived neurotrophic factor family bind to specific types of receptors known as GFRα1-4 [159]. Loss of GFRα1 in mice manifests in improper migration from the MGE and an inability to reach the cortex compared to wild type [159]. A more recent study proposed, using GFR α1 null mice, that GFRα1 signaling may serve to guide the development of a population of PV-expressing interneurons destined for the cortex [160].
Chemorepellants
Whereas motogens affect the ability of interneurons to migrate, chemorepellants and chemoattractants serve to provide migratory cells with the information about which direction to migrate. Conceivably, chemorepellants serve as a type of guidance cue that will direct migrating interneurons away from a certain area. Wichterle and colleagues have shown through cell culture studies that in the telencephalon, the GEs exert a repulsive force on interneurons, allowing the postulation that chemorepellants are primarily expressed in the subpallium [161].
One such example of a chemorepellant is the family of ligands known as the semaphorins (Sema) [162]. The semaphorins are able to exert their repulsive forces upon interneurons because interneurons express neuropilins (Nrp1 and Nrp2) and plexin coreceptors, both of which recognize the semaphorins that are expressed within the LGE [162]. A 2003 study demonstrated that two semaphorins in particular, Sema 3A and 3 F, regulate the migratory capacity of GABAergic interneurons toward the cortex [163]. Additionally, Zimmer et al have shown that the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan known as chondroitin-4-sulfate acts in concert with Sema 3A to repel migrating cortical interneurons within the LGE, further defining the boundary of the migratory route of interneurons [164].
Slit1 is a second chemorepellant whose expression is found in the ventricular zone and the subventricular zone of the GEs, as well as the embryonic POA [165–168]. Slit1 is able to exert its chemorepulsive effects due to the expression of its receptor, Roundabout (Robo1), on migrating cortical interneurons [165–168]. Analysis of the expression patterns of both Slit and Robo proteins are indicative that interneurons are repelled from their sites of origin in the GEs [169–172].
The last type of chemorepellant that will be discussed is Ephrin and its Ephrin receptor tyrosine kinases, which are repulsive cues for MGE-derived interneurons, as demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo[173, 174]. Ephrin A5 in particular is expressed in the ventricular zone of the GE, whereas its receptor, EphA4, is expressed by calbindin-expressing MGE-derived interneurons [173]. Interestingly, siRNA knockdown of the EphA4 receptor resulted in the inability of ephrin A3 to exert its repulsive effects upon interneurons within the MGE [174].
Chemoattractants
While inhibitory signals exhibited by chemorepellants are undoubtedly essential in defining the tangential migratory route cortical interneurons undertake, chemoatractive factors are just as important in aiding the migration process. Whereas chemorepellants are localized in the subpallium, chemoattractive molecules are present in the pallium. One such chemoattractant is the chemokine CXCL12, which carries out signaling through its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. Interneurons derived from the MGE are found to express both of these receptors [175]. The expression pattern of CXCL12 varies throughout development: its expression remains high in the marginal zone and subventricular zone until time point E14.5, but during later stages of corticogenesis its expression is significantly reduced in the subventricular zone (expression in the marginal zone remains unchanged) [176]. Li et al have described CXCL12’s function: it exerts its attractant force on MGE-derived interneurons, guiding them to the previously mentioned tangential migratory streams; these cells remain there until intracortical migrations are received [177].
The previously mentioned gene NRG1, which is a susceptibility gene in schizophrenia, also serves as a chemoattractant in the interneuronal migration process. NRG1 was discovered to be essential for interneurons to leave the MGE, traverse through the LGE and into the cortical wall [178]. Flames et al more specifically demonstrated that different isoforms of NRG1 possess unique migratory roles [178]. When interneurons are exposed to an exogenous source of NRG1, neurons extend new neurites in the direction of the source [179], suggesting endogenous NRG1 present during development serves the same purpose. Reduction or loss of NRG1 in the forebrain prevents GABAergic interneurons from leaving the MGE [178]. Research has also been performed on the NRG receptor ErbB4, which is expressed on migratory interneurons [180]. In mature, conditional ErbB4 mutants, a reduced number of cortical interneurons is observed [178].
Transcription factors
While both motogenic and chemotactic factors have been recognized as classic influences on interneuron migration to the cortex, relatively recent studies have cited the roles of transcription factors in migration. One such transcription factor is the LIM homeodomain transcription factor Lh×6. MGE-derived interneurons that are actively migrating to the cerebral cortex express Lhx6 [143, 181]. Moreover, Lh×6 is also expressed in most PV- and SST-positive cortical interneurons in mice [83]. Utilization of Lhx6 knockdown using RNAi hindered the migration of cortical interneurons, lending strong support to the postulation that the Lh×6 gene somehow plays a role in migratory capability of interneurons [182]. Recent studies have also shown that Lh×6 may operate by promoting the expression of receptors such as ErbB4 (receptor for NRG1), CXCR4 and CXCR7 (receptors for chemokine CXCL12) [102].
While Nk×2.1 is known to be a key transcription factor for the specification of MGE-derived GABAergic interneurons [99, 107], it is also suggested to play a role in migration of these interneurons toward the cortex. Nobrega-Pereira and colleagues have shown that proper migration of MGE-derived interneurons to the cortex requires downregulation of Nk×2.1 expression [183]. Further confirming this observation is the finding that ectopic expression of Nk×2.1 in migrating MGE interneuron progenitors results in the inability of Sema3A and Sema3F to exert their repulsive effects [183]. Additional studies should be performed to further elucidate the mechanism by which Nk×2.1 acts in the migration process.
The Dlx family of homeobox genes is involved in migration of interneurons to the cortex [124, 184]. More specifically, Dl×1 and Dl×2 may repress the genes PAK3 and MAP2 in order to restrain neurite outgrowth [184]. PAK3 is a gene involved in regulating and maintaining cytoskeletal dynamics, and whose expression is low in migrating interneurons; Dlx1/2 mutants show aberrant, increased PAK3 expression, with an inability to migrate to the cortex [184]. Reducing these aberrant levels of PAK3 restores the ability of these interneurons to migrate tangentially to the cortex [184]. Additionally, results from another study have shown that Dl×1 and Dl×2 may play a role in repression of Nrp2, the receptor for semaphorins [107], suggesting the Dlx genes have multiple modes of action to regulate migration.
Lastly,the homeobox transcription factor known as Arx is located downstream of the Dlx genes, and Dlx function has been shown to directly affect Arx expression: Dlx1/2 double mutants show a down-regulation of Arx expression [185]. In the absence of Arx, MGE-derived interneuron progenitors are unable to migrate toward the cortex, resulting in reduced numbers of interneurons in the cortex [186, 187]. Additionally, mice possessing conditional Arx mutations also have reduced cortical interneuron numbers and have epilepsy [188], demonstrating the importance of this transcription factor in interneuron specification within the MGE.
Neurotransmitters
While their role in migration toward the cerebral cortex may seem unconventional, evidence is emerging that neurotransmitters do indeed aid GABAergic interneurons in their movement toward the cortex. The two major neurotransmitters that will be elaborated upon are GABA and dopamine. Migrating interneurons express the GABAA and GABAB, two main receptors for GABA [189–191]. Reducing GABA activity via neutralizing antibodies results in an accumulation of interneurons at the corticostriatal junction, and prevents their entry into the cortical wall [189]. A more recent study also showed that migrating interneurons have a higher affinity for GABA, relative to non-migrating interneurons that are localized in the MGE [191].
Like the GABA receptors, migrating cortical interneurons also express D1 and D2, which are the receptors for dopamine [192, 193]. D1 and D2 receptors, when activated, are known to have opposite functions from one another [192]. Generation of individual knockouts further confirms the inverse function of these receptors: D 1 nulls possess a decreased ability to migrate, allowing the conclusion that D1 normally functions to promote cortical interneuron migration. On the other hand, D 2 knockouts possess increased migratory capability, suggesting that its role is to inhibit migration of interneurons [192]. It is clear that additional studies must be performed to further elucidate the roles that neurotransmitters such as GABA and dopamine play in the migratory process, as the mechanisms by which they operate are still unknown.
Interestingly enough, while there are clearly many factors that influence the migratory route of GABAergic interneurons to the cortex, Sahara et al have demonstrated that the proportion of cortical interneurons, relative to excitatory neurons, stays the same from the beginning of neurogenesis until adulthood [194]. Data from this study suggests that approximately 1 in 5 interneurons migrating tangentially toward the cerebral cortex in mice are GAD67-positive, indicating they are inhibitory GABAergic interneurons [194].
It is important to note that once GABAergic interneurons successfully reach the cortex, a process referred to as “intracortical migration” must be carried out, whereby interneurons undergo different migratory routes within the cortex to reach their ultimate destinations. This process, as well as interneuron lamination, is beyond the scope of this review and will not be discussed. For a detailed discussion of these processes, refer to the review by Faux et al[195].
To date, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the termination of interneuron migration in the cortex are largely unknown. However, Bortone and Polleux have shown that the potassium-chloride cotransporter KCC2 plays an integral role in terminating interneuron migration [196]. When interneurons are actively migrating, ambient GABA and glutamate initially stimulate the motility through activation of GABAA and AMPA/NMDA receptors. However, once interneurons reach the cortex, upregulation of KCC2 results in a hyperpolarization of membrane potential, thereby serving as a stop signal that interneurons are able to sense [196]. Further investigations should be performed to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying termination of migration.
GABAergic dysfunction and neuropsychiatric disorders
As can be imagined, there is a delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs that must be carefully maintained with regard to cortical circuits. It is thus conceivable that a number of neuropsychiatric disorders may stem from an alteration or disruption in the balance of excitation vs. inhibition in the cortical circuitry. Additionally, a number of studies have shown that the lack of proper cortical interneuron specification may play a significant role in the development of neurological disorders. This may entail a deviation from either the course of interneuron development, or aberrant transcriptional regulation in the cortical interneuron specification process. Schizophrenia, a severe mental illness, will be utilized as an example of cortical circuitry gone awry. Understanding the effects of both GABAergic neurotransmission, alterations in inhibitory cortical circuits, and how they may be responsible for the clinical features observed in schizophrenia are paramount to this field of research.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterized by a variety of symptoms, with cognitive deficits being recognized as both the core and enduring features of this illness [197]. Hallmark features of schizophrenia include auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, disorganized speech and thinking, and social withdrawal. Additionally, working memory and attention are characteristically impaired in schizophrenic patients [197]. Onset of symptoms occurs in young adulthood. While environmental influences are widely suggested to play a contributory role in development of this illness, genetics and familial predisposition play a very significant role: a meta-analytic review on cognitive performance between relatives of schizophrenic patients and healthy control subjects demonstrated that the same cognitive deficits found in patients with schizophrenia are also found in non-affected relatives [198].
It was initially postulated that schizophrenic patients demonstrating GABAergic interneuron deficits had a significantly reduced number of interneurons relative to non-schizophrenic subjects [199]. While this may still hold true, this field of research is seeing a gradual shift toward the belief that GABAergic dysfunction in schizophrenia may be a result of disruption or imbalance of inhibitory neurocircuitry, rather than a sheer reduction in neuron number [9].
A common trend observed in independently performed studies has shown that only certain interneuronal subtypes seem to be affected in schizophrenia. Schizophrenic patients showed a marked reduction of GAD67 mRNA levels in PV-expressing interneurons of the prefrontal cortex, while GAD67 mRNA levels did not differ in CR-positive interneurons of schizophrenics and healthy controls [200, 201]. A number of studies have postulated that the population of PV-expressing GABAergic interneurons in people with schizophrenia may not be functioning at full capacity, and this may contribute to the cognitive deficits observed with this illness. An inability of PV-positive interneurons to function properly may result in disruption of inhibitory input onto pyramidal neurons, and impairment of synchronization in the gamma range [202, 203]. This theory is corroborated by the observation that schizophrenic patients, when asked to do working memory tasks, display abnormal gamma frequency oscillations in the prefrontal cortex relative to healthy, non-schizophrenic subjects [204–207].
With the knowledge that the parvalbumin-expressing subtype of GABAergic interneurons in particular is largely affected in schizophrenia, it is sensible to seek out factors that play a role in the development of the PV-positive subtype. One such protein is the receptor tyrosine protein kinase ErbB4, which is a receptor for the trophic factor Neuregulin 1 (NRG1). Research was initially focused on NRG1, which was first identified as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia in an Icelandic population, and then confirmed as a susceptibility gene in an unrelated Scottish population [208]. NRG1 plays a variety of roles during neural development, including modulation of neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, gliogenesis, myelination, and neurotransmission [209]. In particular, NRG1 stimulates GABA release from interneurons, which inhibits pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex [210]. It can be imagined that disruption of NRG1 function can have greatly affect the balance between excitatory and inhibitory input. The possible mechanisms by which altered function of NRG1 and its receptor ErbB4 contribute to schizophrenia have been reviewed by Mei and Xiong [211].
With regard to schizophrenia, attention is shifted to NRG1’s receptor, ErbB4: this is largely due to the fact that ErbB4 is a receptor preferentially expressed by interneurons migrating tangentially from the ventral to the dorsal telencephalon [180] and by both embryonic and postnatal PV-expressing interneurons with chandelier and basket cell morphology [212, 213]. Importantly, in vitro and in vivo gain- and loss-of-function experiments prove that ErbB4 promotes the formation of axo-axonic inhibitory synapses over pyramidal neurons in a cell-autonomous manner [212]. More evidence suggests that ErbB4 exerts its effects on PV-positive interneurons: PV-ErbB4-/- mice exhibit a schizophrenia-like phenotype much like that of NRG1-null and ErbB4-null mutants; these mice are hyperactive and show impaired working memory [210]. Deletion of ErbB4 in PV-positive interneurons in these mice also results in fewer synapses being made onto pyramidal neurons [210], thus demonstrating the importance of this transmembrane receptor (as well as Neuregulin 1) in affecting the proper development of at least one subset of GABAergic interneurons.
An additional gene whose disruption predisposes to schizophrenia was first identified in 2000 in a large Scottish family, and named Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) [214]. Utilization of DISC1 genetically engineered mice served as a model for mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, and analysis of these mice showed that dominant-negative DISC1 mice display behavioral abnormalities and a depression-like deficit [215]. Hikida et al also importantly show that DSC1 plays a role in the development of PV-expressing cortical interneurons: dominant-negative DISC1 mice possess pyramidal cells with reduced PV immunoreactivity in the cortex [215]. Another study using knockdown of DISC1 has generated the same results regarding decreased PV immunoreactivity [216]. DISC1 knockdown in prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons during the pre- and perinatal stages results in abnormal postnatal mesocortical dopaminergic maturation, as well as behavioral abnormalities linked to disrupted cortical circuitry during adulthood [216]. A recent review by Porteus et al offers a detailed summary of the progress that several research groups have made in understanding the role DISC1 protein plays in neurosignaling and neurodevelopment since its initial discovery [217]. While the specific role that DISC1 plays in maintaining cortical interneuron development has yet to be elucidated, it is clear that it is needed to allow proper development of PV-expressing interneurons.
Dysbindin is another schizophrenia susceptibility gene, which plays a role in dopamine receptor trafficking [218]. Multipoint linkage analysis in an Irish population showing genetic variation in the 6p22.3 gene DTNBP1 (dystrobrevin-binding protein 1, the human ortholog of dysbindin) was found to be associated with schizophrenia, thereby spurring a number of investigations of this gene [219]. Findings from a subsequent study indicated that reduction in DTNBP1, frequently observed in schizophrenia, was linked to glutamatergic alterations in intrinsic hippocampal formation connections [220]. Another study corroborated the finding of dysbindin reduction: schizophrenic patients show decreased levels of dysbindin mRNA in multiple layers of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex relative to healthy subjects [221]. Importantly, Dtnbp1-knockout mice possess cortical and striatal PV-expressing, fast-spiking interneurons with a significant reduction in excitability [218]. This therefore results in decreased inhibitory input to pyramidal neurons in layer V of the prefrontal cortex [218].
While it was initially believed that DISC1 and dysbindin both served as independent susceptibility genes to schizophrenia, a 2011 study investigated whether both DISC1 and dysbindin proteins converged onto a common pathway. Co-aggregation of the two proteins in postmortem brains of patients with mental disease, but not that of healthy patients, was observed, demonstrating that DISC1 and dysbindin do indeed directly interact with each other on a molecular level [222]. It is clear that there are many genetic components implicated in the development of schizophrenia, each of which serve to somehow tip the excitatory-inhibitory balance within the neural circuitry. It is also clear how important of a role GABAergic interneurons play in maintaining this balance. It is important, however, to remember that this is merely the tip of the iceberg – there are many other neuropsychiatric disorders such as epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, and various intellectual disabilities, many of which are reviewed extensively in a review by the Marin research group [9], that possess some sort of alteration or disruption of balance within the developing nervous system.
Summary
The population of GABAergic interneurons in the cerebral cortex is a clearly a diverse one, comprised of many different subtypes and functions. While each interneuronal subtype is characteristically unique with regard to function, electrophysiology, immunohistochemical profile, axonal targeting and firing pattern, the overlapping features between particular subtypes makes the method of categorizing each subset of GABAergic interneurons quite challenging. Most recent undertakings in the study of cortical interneurons have been concerned with constructing the transcriptional network of genes that are involved in the specification of these interneurons, in pre-migratory stages within the subpallium as well as during the migratory phase of interneuron precursors. Additional investigations must be performed in order to understand the specific transcription factors and signaling pathways involved in the specification of interneuronal fate. More specifically, studies must be undertaken to understand how the 5HT3aR-expressing interneuron lineage is specified before migration of these interneuronal progenitors to the cerebral cortex, as it is such a large proportion of the interneuron population. Additionally, not enough is known about the differential specification of PV- and SST-positive subgroups within the Nkx2.1-expressing lineage of interneuronal progenitors. The emergence of cutting edge genetic technologies should be utilized to target specific interneuronal subtypes and understand what key players will determine their fate and function. On a broader level, investigations must also be carried out to understand the differences in origin and specification of rodent vs. human GABAergic interneurons. Understanding the mechanisms behind human GABAergic interneuron specification may enable a large step forward in treating various neurological disorders linked to alterations/dysfunctions in interneuron populations. An increased understanding of the mechanism(s) by which GABAergic interneurons are able to integrate properly and seamlessly into the cortex after migration is complete is also warranted.
References
Hensch TK: Critical period plasticity in local cortical circuits. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2005, 6 (11): 877-888. 10.1038/nrn1787
Owens DF, Kriegstein AR: Is there more to GABA than synaptic inhibition?. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2002, 3 (9): 715-727. 10.1038/nrn919
Wang XJ, Tegner J, Constantinidis C, Goldman-Rakic PS: Division of labor among distinct subtypes of inhibitory neurons in a cortical microcircuit of working memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004, 101 (5): 1368-1373. 10.1073/pnas.0305337101
Whittington MA, Traub RD: Interneuron diversity series: inhibitory interneurons and network oscillations in vitro. Trends Neurosci. 2003, 26 (12): 676-682. 10.1016/j.tins.2003.09.016
Dreifuss JJ, Kelly JS, Krnjevic K: Cortical inhibition and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Exp Brain Res. 1969, 9 (2): 137-154. 10.1007/BF00238327
Fonnum F, Storm-Mathisen J: GABA synthesis in rat hippocampus correlated to the distribution of inhibitory neurons. Acta Physiol Scand. 1969, 76 (1): 35A-36A.
Somogyi P, Freund TF, Wu JY, Smith AD: The section-Golgi impregnation procedure. 2. Immunocytochemical demonstration of glutamate decarboxylase in Golgi-impregnated neurons and in their afferent synaptic boutons in the visual cortex of the cat. Neuroscience. 1983, 9 (3): 475-490. 10.1016/0306-4522(83)90167-7
Rudy B, Fishell G, Lee S, Hjerling-Leffler J: Three groups of interneurons account for nearly 100% of neocortical GABAergic neurons. Dev Neurobiol. 2011, 71 (1): 45-61. 10.1002/dneu.20853
Marin O: Interneuron dysfunction in psychiatric disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2012, 13 (2): 107-120.
Gibson JR, Beierlein M, Connors BW: Two networks of electrically coupled inhibitory neurons in neocortex. Nature. 1999, 402 (6757): 75-79. 10.1038/47035
Porter JT, Johnson CK, Agmon A: Diverse types of interneurons generate thalamus-evoked feedforward inhibition in the mouse barrel cortex. J Neurosci. 2001, 21 (8): 2699-2710.
Berger TK, Silberberg G, Perin R, Markram H: Brief bursts self-inhibit and correlate the pyramidal network. PLoS Biol. 2010, 8 (9): e1000473. 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000473
Silberberg G, Gupta A, Markram H: Stereotypy in neocortical microcircuits. Trends Neurosci. 2002, 25 (5): 227-230. 10.1016/S0166-2236(02)02151-3
Wang Y, Toledo-Rodriguez M, Gupta A, Wu C, Silberberg G, Luo J, Markram H: Anatomical, physiological and molecular properties of Martinotti cells in the somatosensory cortex of the juvenile rat. J Physiol. 2004, 561 (Pt 1): 65-90.
Somogyi P, Tamas G, Lujan R, Buhl EH: Salient features of synaptic organisation in the cerebral cortex. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 1998, 26 (2–3): 113-135.
Ascoli GA, Alonso-Nanclares L, Anderson SA, Barrionuevo G, Benavides-Piccione R, Burkhalter A, Buzsaki G, Cauli B, Defelipe J, Fairen A: Petilla terminology: nomenclature of features of GABAergic interneurons of the cerebral cortex. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008, 9 (7): 557-568.
Cauli B, Audinat E, Lambolez B, Angulo MC, Ropert N, Tsuzuki K, Hestrin S, Rossier J: Molecular and physiological diversity of cortical nonpyramidal cells. J Neurosci. 1997, 17 (10): 3894-3906.
DeFelipe J: Neocortical neuronal diversity: chemical heterogeneity revealed by colocalization studies of classic neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, calcium-binding proteins, and cell surface molecules. Cereb Cortex. 1993, 3 (4): 273-289. 10.1093/cercor/3.4.273
DeFelipe J, Hendry SH, Jones EG: Visualization of chandelier cell axons by parvalbumin immunoreactivity in monkey cerebral cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1989, 86 (6): 2093-2097. 10.1073/pnas.86.6.2093
Gonchar Y, Burkhalter A: Three distinct families of GABAergic neurons in rat visual cortex. Cereb Cortex. 1997, 7 (4): 347-358. 10.1093/cercor/7.4.347
Hendry SH, Jones EG, Emson PC, Lawson DE, Heizmann CW, Streit P: Two classes of cortical GABA neurons defined by differential calcium binding protein immunoreactivities. Exp Brain Res. 1989, 76 (2): 467-472.
Kawaguchi Y, Kubota Y: GABAergic cell subtypes and their synaptic connections in rat frontal cortex. Cereb Cortex. 1997, 7 (6): 476-486. 10.1093/cercor/7.6.476
Markram H, Toledo-Rodriguez M, Wang Y, Gupta A, Silberberg G, Wu C: Interneurons of the neocortical inhibitory system. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2004, 5 (10): 793-807. 10.1038/nrn1519
Somogyi P, Klausberger T: Defined types of cortical interneurone structure space and spike timing in the hippocampus. J Physiol. 2005, 562 (Pt 1): 9-26.
Lee S, Hjerling-Leffler J, Zagha E, Fishell G, Rudy B: The largest group of superficial neocortical GABAergic interneurons expresses ionotropic serotonin receptors. J Neurosci. 2010, 30 (50): 16796-16808. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1869-10.2010
Xu X, Callaway EM: Laminar specificity of functional input to distinct types of inhibitory cortical neurons. J Neurosci. 2009, 29 (1): 70-85. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4104-08.2009
Connors BW, Gutnick MJ: Intrinsic firing patterns of diverse neocortical neurons. Trends Neurosci. 1990, 13 (3): 99-104. 10.1016/0166-2236(90)90185-D
Goldberg EM, Clark BD, Zagha E, Nahmani M, Erisir A, Rudy B: K + channels at the axon initial segment dampen near-threshold excitability of neocortical fast-spiking GABAergic interneurons. Neuron. 2008, 58 (3): 387-400. 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.03.003
Pinto DJ, Brumberg JC, Simons DJ: Circuit dynamics and coding strategies in rodent somatosensory cortex. J Neurophysiol. 2000, 83 (3): 1158-1166.
Miller LM, Escabi MA, Schreiner CE: Feature selectivity and interneuronal cooperation in the thalamocortical system. J Neurosci. 2001, 21 (20): 8136-8144.
Pouille F, Scanziani M: Enforcement of temporal fidelity in pyramidal cells by somatic feed-forward inhibition. Science. 2001, 293 (5532): 1159-1163. 10.1126/science.1060342
Pinto DJ, Hartings JA, Brumberg JC, Simons DJ: Cortical damping: analysis of thalamocortical response transformations in rodent barrel cortex. Cereb Cortex. 2003, 13 (1): 33-44. 10.1093/cercor/13.1.33
Lawrence JJ, McBain CJ: Interneuron diversity series: containing the detonation–feedforward inhibition in the CA3 hippocampus. Trends Neurosci. 2003, 26 (11): 631-640. 10.1016/j.tins.2003.09.007
Gabernet L, Jadhav SP, Feldman DE, Carandini M, Scanziani M: Somatosensory integration controlled by dynamic thalamocortical feed-forward inhibition. Neuron. 2005, 48 (2): 315-327. 10.1016/j.neuron.2005.09.022
Cruikshank SJ, Lewis TJ, Connors BW: Synaptic basis for intense thalamocortical activation of feedforward inhibitory cells in neocortex. Nat Neurosci. 2007, 10 (4): 462-468.
Hasenstaub A, Shu Y, Haider B, Kraushaar U, Duque A, McCormick DA: Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials carry synchronized frequency information in active cortical networks. Neuron. 2005, 47 (3): 423-435. 10.1016/j.neuron.2005.06.016
Haider B, McCormick DA: Rapid neocortical dynamics: cellular and network mechanisms. Neuron. 2009, 62 (2): 171-189. 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.04.008
Woodruff A, Xu Q, Anderson SA, Yuste R: Depolarizing effect of neocortical chandelier neurons. Frontiers in neural circuits. 2009, 3: 15.
Szabadics J, Varga C, Molnar G, Olah S, Barzo P, Tamas G: Excitatory effect of GABAergic axo-axonic cells in cortical microcircuits. Science. 2006, 311 (5758): 233-235. 10.1126/science.1121325
Glickfeld LL, Roberts JD, Somogyi P, Scanziani M: Interneurons hyperpolarize pyramidal cells along their entire somatodendritic axis. Nat Neurosci. 2009, 12 (1): 21-23. 10.1038/nn.2230
Blatow M, Rozov A, Katona I, Hormuzdi SG, Meyer AH, Whittington MA, Caputi A, Monyer H: A novel network of multipolar bursting interneurons generates theta frequency oscillations in neocortex. Neuron. 2003, 38 (5): 805-817. 10.1016/S0896-6273(03)00300-3
Uematsu M, Hirai Y, Karube F, Ebihara S, Kato M, Abe K, Obata K, Yoshida S, Hirabayashi M, Yanagawa Y: Quantitative chemical composition of cortical GABAergic neurons revealed in transgenic venus-expressing rats. Cereb Cortex. 2008, 18 (2): 315-330.
Beierlein M, Gibson JR, Connors BW: Two dynamically distinct inhibitory networks in layer 4 of the neocortex. J Neurophysiol. 2003, 90 (5): 2987-3000. 10.1152/jn.00283.2003
Kapfer C, Glickfeld LL, Atallah BV, Scanziani M: Supralinear increase of recurrent inhibition during sparse activity in the somatosensory cortex. Nat Neurosci. 2007, 10 (6): 743-753. 10.1038/nn1909
Reyes A, Lujan R, Rozov A, Burnashev N, Somogyi P, Sakmann B: Target-cell-specific facilitation and depression in neocortical circuits. Nat Neurosci. 1998, 1 (4): 279-285. 10.1038/1092
Silberberg G, Markram H: Disynaptic inhibition between neocortical pyramidal cells mediated by Martinotti cells. Neuron. 2007, 53 (5): 735-746. 10.1016/j.neuron.2007.02.012
Fanselow EE, Richardson KA, Connors BW: Selective, state-dependent activation of somatostatin-expressing inhibitory interneurons in mouse neocortex. J Neurophysiol. 2008, 100 (5): 2640-2652. 10.1152/jn.90691.2008
Ma Y, Hu H, Berrebi AS, Mathers PH, Agmon A: Distinct subtypes of somatostatin-containing neocortical interneurons revealed in transgenic mice. J Neurosci. 2006, 26 (19): 5069-5082. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0661-06.2006
McGarry LM, Packer AM, Fino E, Nikolenko V, Sippy T, Yuste R: Quantitative classification of somatostatin-positive neocortical interneurons identifies three interneuron subtypes. Front Neural Circ. 2010, 4: 12.
Xu X, Roby KD, Callaway EM: Mouse cortical inhibitory neuron type that coexpresses somatostatin and calretinin. J Comp Neurol. 2006, 499 (1): 144-160. 10.1002/cne.21101
Zimmer G, Rudolph J, Landmann J, Gerstmann K, Steinecke A, Gampe C, Bolz J: Bidirectional ephrinB3/EphA4 signaling mediates the segregation of medial ganglionic eminence- and preoptic area-derived interneurons in the deep and superficial migratory stream. J Neurosci. 2011, 31 (50): 18364-18380. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4690-11.2011
Gonchar Y, Wang Q, Burkhalter A: Multiple distinct subtypes of GABAergic neurons in mouse visual cortex identified by triple immunostaining. Front Neuroanat. 2007, 1: 3.
Miyoshi G, Butt SJ, Takebayashi H, Fishell G: Physiologically distinct temporal cohorts of cortical interneurons arise from telencephalic Olig2-expressing precursors. J Neurosci. 2007, 27 (29): 7786-7798. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1807-07.2007
Xu X, Roby KD, Callaway EM: Immunochemical characterization of inhibitory mouse cortical neurons: three chemically distinct classes of inhibitory cells. J Comp Neurol. 2010, 518 (3): 389-404. 10.1002/cne.22229
Cauli B, Porter JT, Tsuzuki K, Lambolez B, Rossier J, Quenet B, Audinat E: Classification of fusiform neocortical interneurons based on unsupervised clustering. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000, 97 (11): 6144-6149. 10.1073/pnas.97.11.6144
Miyoshi G, Hjerling-Leffler J, Karayannis T, Sousa VH, Butt SJ, Battiste J, Johnson JE, Machold RP, Fishell G: Genetic fate mapping reveals that the caudal ganglionic eminence produces a large and diverse population of superficial cortical interneurons. J Neurosci. 2010, 30 (5): 1582-1594. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4515-09.2010
David C, Schleicher A, Zuschratter W, Staiger JF: The innervation of parvalbumin-containing interneurons by VIP-immunopositive interneurons in the primary somatosensory cortex of the adult rat. Eur J Neurosci. 2007, 25 (8): 2329-2340. 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05496.x
Acsady L, Gorcs TJ, Freund TF: Different populations of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive interneurons are specialized to control pyramidal cells or interneurons in the hippocampus. Neuroscience. 1996, 73 (2): 317-334. 10.1016/0306-4522(95)00609-5
Ferezou I, Cauli B, Hill EL, Rossier J, Hamel E, Lambolez B: 5-HT3 receptors mediate serotonergic fast synaptic excitation of neocortical vasoactive intestinal peptide/cholecystokinin interneurons. J Neurosci. 2002, 22 (17): 7389-7397.
Galarreta M, Erdelyi F, Szabo G, Hestrin S: Electrical coupling among irregular-spiking GABAergic interneurons expressing cannabinoid receptors. J Neurosci. 2004, 24 (44): 9770-9778. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3027-04.2004
Porter JT, Cauli B, Staiger JF, Lambolez B, Rossier J, Audinat E: Properties of bipolar VIPergic interneurons and their excitation by pyramidal neurons in the rat neocortex. Eur J Neurosci. 1998, 10 (12): 3617-3628. 10.1046/j.1460-9568.1998.00367.x
Caputi A, Rozov A, Blatow M, Monyer H: Two calretinin-positive GABAergic cell types in layer 2/3 of the mouse neocortex provide different forms of inhibition. Cereb Cortex. 2009, 19 (6): 1345-1359. 10.1093/cercor/bhn175
Butt SJ, Fuccillo M, Nery S, Noctor S, Kriegstein A, Corbin JG, Fishell G: The temporal and spatial origins of cortical interneurons predict their physiological subtype. Neuron. 2005, 48 (4): 591-604. 10.1016/j.neuron.2005.09.034
Kawaguchi Y, Kubota Y: Physiological and morphological identification of somatostatin- or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-containing cells among GABAergic cell subtypes in rat frontal cortex. J Neurosci. 1996, 16 (8): 2701-2715.
Olah S, Komlosi G, Szabadics J, Varga C, Toth E, Barzo P, Tamas G: Output of neurogliaform cells to various neuron types in the human and rat cerebral cortex. Front Neural Circ. 2007, 1: 4.
Price CJ, Cauli B, Kovacs ER, Kulik A, Lambolez B, Shigemoto R, Capogna M: Neurogliaform neurons form a novel inhibitory network in the hippocampal CA1 area. J Neurosci. 2005, 25 (29): 6775-6786. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1135-05.2005
Simon A, Olah S, Molnar G, Szabadics J, Tamas G: Gap-junctional coupling between neurogliaform cells and various interneuron types in the neocortex. J Neurosci. 2005, 25 (27): 6278-6285. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1431-05.2005
Zsiros V, Maccaferri G: Electrical coupling between interneurons with different excitable properties in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the juvenile CA1 rat hippocampus. J Neurosci. 2005, 25 (38): 8686-8695. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2810-05.2005
Tamas G, Lorincz A, Simon A, Szabadics J: Identified sources and targets of slow inhibition in the neocortex. Science. 2003, 299 (5614): 1902-1905. 10.1126/science.1082053
Corbin JG, Butt SJ: Developmental mechanisms for the generation of telencephalic interneurons. Dev Neurobiol. 2011, 71 (8): 710-732. 10.1002/dneu.20890
O’Rahilly R, Gardner E: The initial development of the human brain. Acta Anat. 1979, 104 (2): 123-133. 10.1159/000145061
Van Eden CG, Mrzljak L, Voorn P, Uylings HB: Prenatal development of GABA-ergic neurons in the neocortex of the rat. J Comp Neurol. 1989, 289 (2): 213-227. 10.1002/cne.902890204
DeDiego I, Smith-Fernandez A, Fairen A: Cortical cells that migrate beyond area boundaries: characterization of an early neuronal population in the lower intermediate zone of prenatal rats. Eur J Neurosci. 1994, 6 (6): 983-997. 10.1111/j.1460-9568.1994.tb00593.x
de Carlos JA, Lopez-Mascaraque L, Valverde F: Dynamics of cell migration from the lateral ganglionic eminence in the rat. J Neurosci. 1996, 16 (19): 6146-6156.
Tamamaki N, Fujimori KE, Takauji R: Origin and route of tangentially migrating neurons in the developing neocortical intermediate zone. J Neurosci. 1997, 17 (21): 8313-8323.
Mione MC, Danevic C, Boardman P, Harris B, Parnavelas JG: Lineage analysis reveals neurotransmitter (GABA or glutamate) but not calcium-binding protein homogeneity in clonally related cortical neurons. J Neurosci. 1994, 14 (1): 107-123.
Parnavelas JG, Barfield JA, Franke E, Luskin MB: Separate progenitor cells give rise to pyramidal and nonpyramidal neurons in the rat telencephalon. Cereb Cortex. 1991, 1 (6): 463-468. 10.1093/cercor/1.6.463
Rakic P, Lombroso PJ: Development of the cerebral cortex: I. Forming the cortical structure. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1998, 37 (1): 116-117. 10.1097/00004583-199801000-00026
Pleasure SJ, Anderson S, Hevner R, Bagri A, Marin O, Lowenstein DH, Rubenstein JL: Cell migration from the ganglionic eminences is required for the development of hippocampal GABAergic interneurons. Neuron. 2000, 28 (3): 727-740. 10.1016/S0896-6273(00)00149-5
Wonders CP, Anderson SA: The origin and specification of cortical interneurons. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2006, 7 (9): 687-696. 10.1038/nrn1954
Wonders CP, Taylor L, Welagen J, Mbata IC, Xiang JZ, Anderson SA: A spatial bias for the origins of interneuron subgroups within the medial ganglionic eminence. Dev Biol. 2008, 314 (1): 127-136. 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.11.018
Xu Q, Cobos I, De La Cruz E, Rubenstein JL, Anderson SA: Origins of cortical interneuron subtypes. J Neurosci. 2004, 24 (11): 2612-2622. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5667-03.2004
Cobos I, Calcagnotto ME, Vilaythong AJ, Thwin MT, Noebels JL, Baraban SC, Rubenstein JL: Mice lacking Dlx1 show subtype-specific loss of interneurons, reduced inhibition and epilepsy. Nat Neurosci. 2005, 8 (8): 1059-1068. 10.1038/nn1499
Flames N, Pla R, Gelman DM, Rubenstein JL, Puelles L, Marin O: Delineation of multiple subpallial progenitor domains by the combinatorial expression of transcriptional codes. J Neurosci. 2007, 27 (36): 9682-9695. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2750-07.2007
Wichterle H, Turnbull DH, Nery S, Fishell G, Alvarez-Buylla A: In utero fate mapping reveals distinct migratory pathways and fates of neurons born in the mammalian basal forebrain. Development. 2001, 128 (19): 3759-3771.
Corbin JG, Rutlin M, Gaiano N, Fishell G: Combinatorial function of the homeodomain proteins Nkx2.1 and Gsh2 in ventral telencephalic patterning. Development. 2003, 130 (20): 4895-4906. 10.1242/dev.00717
Anderson SA, Marin O, Horn C, Jennings K, Rubenstein JL: Distinct cortical migrations from the medial and lateral ganglionic eminences. Development. 2001, 128 (3): 353-363.
Nery S, Corbin JG, Fishell G: Dlx2 progenitor migration in wild type and Nkx2.1 mutant telencephalon. Cereb Cortex. 2003, 13 (9): 895-903. 10.1093/cercor/13.9.895
Nery S, Fishell G, Corbin JG: The caudal ganglionic eminence is a source of distinct cortical and subcortical cell populations. Nat Neurosci. 2002, 5 (12): 1279-1287. 10.1038/nn971
Chameau P, Inta D, Vitalis T, Monyer H, Wadman WJ, van Hooft JA: The N-terminal region of reelin regulates postnatal dendritic maturation of cortical pyramidal neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009, 106 (17): 7227-7232. 10.1073/pnas.0810764106
Inta D, Alfonso J, von Engelhardt J, Kreuzberg MM, Meyer AH, van Hooft JA, Monyer H: Neurogenesis and widespread forebrain migration of distinct GABAergic neurons from the postnatal subventricular zone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008, 105 (52): 20994-20999. 10.1073/pnas.0807059105
Vucurovic K, Gallopin T, Ferezou I, Rancillac A, Chameau P, van Hooft JA, Geoffroy H, Monyer H, Rossier J, Vitalis T: Serotonin 3A receptor subtype as an early and protracted marker of cortical interneuron subpopulations. Cereb Cortex. 2010, 20 (10): 2333-2347. 10.1093/cercor/bhp310
Gelman D, Griveau A, Dehorter N, Teissier A, Varela C, Pla R, Pierani A, Marin O: A wide diversity of cortical GABAergic interneurons derives from the embryonic preoptic area. J Neurosci. 2011, 31 (46): 16570-16580. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4068-11.2011
Wichterle H, Garcia-Verdugo JM, Herrera DG, Alvarez-Buylla A: Young neurons from medial ganglionic eminence disperse in adult and embryonic brain. Nat Neurosci. 1999, 2 (5): 461-466. 10.1038/8131
Sussel L, Marin O, Kimura S, Rubenstein JL: Loss of Nkx2.1 homeobox gene function results in a ventral to dorsal molecular respecification within the basal telencephalon: evidence for a transformation of the pallidum into the striatum. Development. 1999, 126 (15): 3359-3370.
Jimenez D, Lopez-Mascaraque LM, Valverde F, De Carlos JA: Tangential migration in neocortical development. Dev Biol. 2002, 244 (1): 155-169. 10.1006/dbio.2002.0586
Azim E, Jabaudon D, Fame RM, Macklis JD: SOX6 controls dorsal progenitor identity and interneuron diversity during neocortical development. Nat Neurosci. 2009, 12 (10): 1238-1247. 10.1038/nn.2387
Batista-Brito R, Rossignol E, Hjerling-Leffler J, Denaxa M, Wegner M, Lefebvre V, Pachnis V, Fishell G: The cell-intrinsic requirement of Sox6 for cortical interneuron development. Neuron. 2009, 63 (4): 466-481. 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.08.005
Butt SJ, Sousa VH, Fuccillo MV, Hjerling-Leffler J, Miyoshi G, Kimura S, Fishell G: The requirement of Nkx2-1 in the temporal specification of cortical interneuron subtypes. Neuron. 2008, 59 (5): 722-732. 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.07.031
Liodis P, Denaxa M, Grigoriou M, Akufo-Addo C, Yanagawa Y, Pachnis V: Lhx6 activity is required for the normal migration and specification of cortical interneuron subtypes. J Neurosci. 2007, 27 (12): 3078-3089. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3055-06.2007
Wang Y, Dye CA, Sohal V, Long JE, Estrada RC, Roztocil T, Lufkin T, Deisseroth K, Baraban SC, Rubenstein JL: Dlx5 and Dlx6 regulate the development of parvalbumin-expressing cortical interneurons. J Neurosci. 2010, 30 (15): 5334-5345. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5963-09.2010
Zhao Y, Flandin P, Long JE, Cuesta MD, Westphal H, Rubenstein JL: Distinct molecular pathways for development of telencephalic interneuron subtypes revealed through analysis of Lhx6 mutants. J Comp Neurol. 2008, 510 (1): 79-99. 10.1002/cne.21772
Fogarty M, Grist M, Gelman D, Marin O, Pachnis V, Kessaris N: Spatial genetic patterning of the embryonic neuroepithelium generates GABAergic interneuron diversity in the adult cortex. J Neurosci. 2007, 27 (41): 10935-10946. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1629-07.2007
Xu Q, Tam M, Anderson SA: Fate mapping Nkx2.1-lineage cells in the mouse telencephalon. J Comp Neurol. 2008, 506 (1): 16-29. 10.1002/cne.21529
Xu Q, Wonders CP, Anderson SA: Sonic hedgehog maintains the identity of cortical interneuron progenitors in the ventral telencephalon. Development. 2005, 132 (22): 4987-4998. 10.1242/dev.02090
Xu Q, Guo L, Moore H, Waclaw RR, Campbell K, Anderson SA: Sonic hedgehog signaling confers ventral telencephalic progenitors with distinct cortical interneuron fates. Neuron. 2010, 65 (3): 328-340. 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.01.004
Du T, Xu Q, Ocbina PJ, Anderson SA: NKX2.1 specifies cortical interneuron fate by activating Lhx6. Development. 2008, 135 (8): 1559-1567. 10.1242/dev.015123
Flandin P, Zhao Y, Vogt D, Jeong J, Long J, Potter G, Westphal H, Rubenstein JL: Lhx6 and Lhx8 coordinately induce neuronal expression of Shh that controls the generation of interneuron progenitors. Neuron. 2011, 70 (5): 939-950. 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.04.020
Zhao Y, Marin O, Hermesz E, Powell A, Flames N, Palkovits M, Rubenstein JL, Westphal H: The LIM-homeobox gene Lhx8 is required for the development of many cholinergic neurons in the mouse forebrain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003, 100 (15): 9005-9010. 10.1073/pnas.1537759100
Long JE, Cobos I, Potter GB, Rubenstein JL: Dlx1&2 and Mash1 transcription factors control MGE and CGE patterning and differentiation through parallel and overlapping pathways. Cereb Cortex. 2009, 19 (Suppl 1): i96-i106.
Long JE, Swan C, Liang WS, Cobos I, Potter GB, Rubenstein JL: Dlx1&2 and Mash1 transcription factors control striatal patterning and differentiation through parallel and overlapping pathways. J Comp Neurol. 2009, 512 (4): 556-572. 10.1002/cne.21854
Kanatani S, Yozu M, Tabata H, Nakajima K: COUP-TFII is preferentially expressed in the caudal ganglionic eminence and is involved in the caudal migratory stream. J Neurosci. 2008, 28 (50): 13582-13591. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2132-08.2008
Willi-Monnerat S, Migliavacca E, Surdez D, Delorenzi M, Luthi-Carter R, Terskikh AV: Comprehensive spatiotemporal transcriptomic analyses of the ganglionic eminences demonstrate the uniqueness of its caudal subdivision. Mol Cell Neurosci. 2008, 37 (4): 845-856. 10.1016/j.mcn.2008.01.009
Casarosa S, Fode C, Guillemot F: Mash1 regulates neurogenesis in the ventral telencephalon. Development. 1999, 126 (3): 525-534.
Yun K, Fischman S, Johnson J, Hrabe de Angelis M, Weinmaster G, Rubenstein JL: Modulation of the notch signaling by Mash1 and Dlx1/2 regulates sequential specification and differentiation of progenitor cell types in the subcortical telencephalon. Development. 2002, 129 (21): 5029-5040.
Horton S, Meredith A, Richardson JA, Johnson JE: Correct coordination of neuronal differentiation events in ventral forebrain requires the bHLH factor MASH1. Mol Cell Neurosci. 1999, 14 (4–5): 355-369.
Fode C, Ma Q, Casarosa S, Ang SL, Anderson DJ, Guillemot F: A role for neural determination genes in specifying the dorsoventral identity of telencephalic neurons. Genes Dev. 2000, 14 (1): 67-80.
Toresson H, Potter SS, Campbell K: Genetic control of dorsal-ventral identity in the telencephalon: opposing roles for Pax6 and Gsh2. Development. 2000, 127 (20): 4361-4371.
Yun K, Potter S, Rubenstein JL: Gsh2 and Pax6 play complementary roles in dorsoventral patterning of the mammalian telencephalon. Development. 2001, 128 (2): 193-205.
Waclaw RR, Wang B, Pei Z, Ehrman LA, Campbell K: Distinct temporal requirements for the homeobox gene Gsx2 in specifying striatal and olfactory bulb neuronal fates. Neuron. 2009, 63 (4): 451-465. 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.07.015
Panganiban G, Rubenstein JL: Developmental functions of the distal-less/Dlx homeobox genes. Development. 2002, 129 (19): 4371-4386.
Eisenstat DD, Liu JK, Mione M, Zhong W, Yu G, Anderson SA, Ghattas I, Puelles L, Rubenstein JL: DLX-1, DLX-2, and DLX-5 expression define distinct stages of basal forebrain differentiation. J Comp Neurol. 1999, 414 (2): 217-237. 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(19991115)414:2<217::AID-CNE6>3.0.CO;2-I
Liu JK, Ghattas I, Liu S, Chen S, Rubenstein JL: Dlx genes encode DNA-binding proteins that are expressed in an overlapping and sequential pattern during basal ganglia differentiation. Dev Dyn. 1997, 210 (4): 498-512. 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0177(199712)210:4<498::AID-AJA12>3.0.CO;2-3
Anderson SA, Eisenstat DD, Shi L, Rubenstein JL: Interneuron migration from basal forebrain to neocortex: dependence on Dlx genes. Science. 1997, 278 (5337): 474-476. 10.1126/science.278.5337.474
Gelman DM, Marin O, Rubenstein JLR: The Generation of Cortical Interneurons. Jasper’s Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies. 4th edition. Edited by: Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, Olsen RW, Delgado-Escueta AV. Bethesda (MD);2012.
Gelman DM, Martini FJ, Nobrega-Pereira S, Pierani A, Kessaris N, Marin O: The embryonic preoptic area is a novel source of cortical GABAergic interneurons. J Neurosci. 2009, 29 (29): 9380-9389. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0604-09.2009
Lodato S, Rouaux C, Quast KB, Jantrachotechatchawan C, Studer M, Hensch TK, Arlotta P: Excitatory projection neuron subtypes control the distribution of local inhibitory interneurons in the cerebral cortex. Neuron. 2011, 69 (4): 763-779. 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.01.015
Sugiyama S, Di Nardo AA, Aizawa S, Matsuo I, Volovitch M, Prochiantz A, Hensch TK: Experience-dependent transfer of Otx2 homeoprotein into the visual cortex activates postnatal plasticity. Cell. 2008, 134 (3): 508-520. 10.1016/j.cell.2008.05.054
Beurdeley M, Spatazza J, Lee HH, Sugiyama S, Bernard C, Di Nardo AA, Hensch TK, Prochiantz A: Otx2 binding to perineuronal nets persistently regulates plasticity in the mature visual cortex. J Neurosci. 2012, 32 (27): 9429-9437. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0394-12.2012
Petanjek Z, Kostovic I, Esclapez M: Primate-specific origins and migration of cortical GABAergic neurons. Front Neuroanat. 2009, 3: 26.
Letinic K, Zoncu R, Rakic P: Origin of GABAergic neurons in the human neocortex. Nature. 2002, 417 (6889): 645-649. 10.1038/nature00779
Yu X, Zecevic N: Dorsal radial glial cells have the potential to generate cortical interneurons in human but not in mouse brain. J Neurosci. 2011, 31 (7): 2413-2420. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5249-10.2011
Fertuzinhos S, Krsnik Z, Kawasawa YI, Rasin MR, Kwan KY, Chen JG, Judas M, Hayashi M, Sestan N: Selective depletion of molecularly defined cortical interneurons in human holoprosencephaly with severe striatal hypoplasia. Cereb Cortex. 2009, 19 (9): 2196-2207. 10.1093/cercor/bhp009
Petanjek Z, Berger B, Esclapez M: Origins of cortical GABAergic neurons in the cynomolgus monkey. Cereb Cortex. 2009, 19 (2): 249-262.
Rakic S, Zecevic N: Early oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in the human fetal telencephalon. Glia. 2003, 41 (2): 117-127. 10.1002/glia.10140
Zecevic N, Hu F, Jakovcevski I: Interneurons in the developing human neocortex. Dev Neurobiol. 2011, 71 (1): 18-33. 10.1002/dneu.20812
Jakovcevski I, Mayer N, Zecevic N: Multiple origins of human neocortical interneurons are supported by distinct expression of transcription factors. Cereb Cortex. 2011, 21 (8): 1771-1782. 10.1093/cercor/bhq245
Tanaka DH, Oiwa R, Sasaki E, Nakajima K: Changes in cortical interneuron migration contribute to the evolution of the neocortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011, 108 (19): 8015-8020. 10.1073/pnas.1102153108
Corbin JG, Nery S, Fishell G: Telencephalic cells take a tangent: non-radial migration in the mammalian forebrain. Nat Neurosci. 2001, 4 (Suppl): 1177-1182.
Marin O, Rubenstein JL: A long, remarkable journey: tangential migration in the telencephalon. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2001, 2 (11): 780-790. 10.1038/35097509
Marin O, Rubenstein JL: Cell migration in the forebrain. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2003, 26: 441-483. 10.1146/annurev.neuro.26.041002.131058
Metin C, Baudoin JP, Rakic S, Parnavelas JG: Cell and molecular mechanisms involved in the migration of cortical interneurons. Eur J Neurosci. 2006, 23 (4): 894-900. 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.04630.x
Lavdas AA, Grigoriou M, Pachnis V, Parnavelas JG: The medial ganglionic eminence gives rise to a population of early neurons in the developing cerebral cortex. J Neurosci. 1999, 19 (18): 7881-7888.
Faux C, Rakic S, Andrews W, Yanagawa Y, Obata K, Parnavelas JG: Differential gene expression in migrating cortical interneurons during mouse forebrain development. J Comp Neurol. 2010, 518 (8): 1232-1248.
Marsh ED, Minarcik J, Campbell K, Brooks-Kayal AR, Golden JA: FACS-array gene expression analysis during early development of mouse telencephalic interneurons. Dev Neurobiol. 2008, 68 (4): 434-445. 10.1002/dneu.20602
Powell EM, Mars WM, Levitt P: Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor is a motogen for interneurons migrating from the ventral to dorsal telencephalon. Neuron. 2001, 30 (1): 79-89. 10.1016/S0896-6273(01)00264-1
Powell EM, Campbell DB, Stanwood GD, Davis C, Noebels JL, Levitt P: Genetic disruption of cortical interneuron development causes region- and GABA cell type-specific deficits, epilepsy, and behavioral dysfunction. J Neurosci. 2003, 23 (2): 622-631.
Friedman WJ, Black IB, Kaplan DR: Distribution of the neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4/5 in the postnatal rat brain: an immunocytochemical study. Neuroscience. 1998, 84 (1): 101-114. 10.1016/S0306-4522(97)00526-5
Fukumitsu H, Furukawa Y, Tsusaka M, Kinukawa H, Nitta A, Nomoto H, Mima T, Furukawa S: Simultaneous expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 in Cajal-Retzius, subplate and ventricular progenitor cells during early development stages of the rat cerebral cortex. Neuroscience. 1998, 84 (1): 115-127. 10.1016/S0306-4522(97)00505-8
Maisonpierre PC, Belluscio L, Friedman B, Alderson RF, Wiegand SJ, Furth ME, Lindsay RM, Yancopoulos GD: NT-3, BDNF, and NGF in the developing rat nervous system: parallel as well as reciprocal patterns of expression. Neuron. 1990, 5 (4): 501-509. 10.1016/0896-6273(90)90089-X
Timmusk T, Belluardo N, Metsis M, Persson H: Widespread and developmentally regulated expression of neurotrophin-4 mRNA in rat brain and peripheral tissues. Eur J Neurosci. 1993, 5 (6): 605-613. 10.1111/j.1460-9568.1993.tb00526.x
Gorba T, Wahle P: Expression of TrkB and TrkC but not BDNF mRNA in neurochemically identified interneurons in rat visual cortex in vivo and in organotypic cultures. Eur J Neurosci. 1999, 11 (4): 1179-1190. 10.1046/j.1460-9568.1999.00551.x
Klein R, Martin-Zanca D, Barbacid M, Parada LF: Expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor gene trkB is confined to the murine embryonic and adult nervous system. Development. 1990, 109 (4): 845-850.
Brunstrom JE, Gray-Swain MR, Osborne PA, Pearlman AL: Neuronal heterotopias in the developing cerebral cortex produced by neurotrophin-4. Neuron. 1997, 18 (3): 505-517. 10.1016/S0896-6273(00)81250-7
Fiumelli H, Kiraly M, Ambrus A, Magistretti PJ, Martin JL: Opposite regulation of calbindin and calretinin expression by brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cortical neurons. J Neurochem. 2000, 74 (5): 1870-1877.
Arenas E, Akerud P, Wong V, Boylan C, Persson H, Lindsay RM, Altar CA: Effects of BDNF and NT-4/5 on striatonigral neuropeptides or nigral GABA neurons in vivo. Eur J Neurosci. 1996, 8 (8): 1707-1717. 10.1111/j.1460-9568.1996.tb01314.x
Jones KR, Farinas I, Backus C, Reichardt LF: Targeted disruption of the BDNF gene perturbs brain and sensory neuron development but not motor neuron development. Cell. 1994, 76 (6): 989-999. 10.1016/0092-8674(94)90377-8
Pozas E, Ibanez CF: GDNF and GFRalpha1 promote differentiation and tangential migration of cortical GABAergic neurons. Neuron. 2005, 45 (5): 701-713. 10.1016/j.neuron.2005.01.043
Airaksinen MS, Saarma M: The GDNF family: signalling, biological functions and therapeutic value. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2002, 3 (5): 383-394. 10.1038/nrn812
Canty AJ, Dietze J, Harvey M, Enomoto H, Milbrandt J, Ibanez CF: Regionalized loss of parvalbumin interneurons in the cerebral cortex of mice with deficits in GFRalpha1 signaling. J Neurosci. 2009, 29 (34): 10695-10705. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2658-09.2009
Wichterle H, Alvarez-Dolado M, Erskine L, Alvarez-Buylla A: Permissive corridor and diffusible gradients direct medial ganglionic eminence cell migration to the neocortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003, 100 (2): 727-732. 10.1073/pnas.242721899
Marin O, Yaron A, Bagri A, Tessier-Lavigne M, Rubenstein JL: Sorting of striatal and cortical interneurons regulated by semaphorin-neuropilin interactions. Science. 2001, 293 (5531): 872-875. 10.1126/science.1061891
Tamamaki N, Fujimori K, Nojyo Y, Kaneko T, Takauji R: Evidence that Sema3A and Sema3F regulate the migration of GABAergic neurons in the developing neocortex. J Comp Neurol. 2003, 455 (2): 238-248. 10.1002/cne.10476
Zimmer G, Schanuel SM, Burger S, Weth F, Steinecke A, Bolz J, Lent R: Chondroitin sulfate acts in concert with semaphorin 3A to guide tangential migration of cortical interneurons in the ventral telencephalon. Cereb Cortex. 2010, 20 (10): 2411-2422. 10.1093/cercor/bhp309
Bagri A, Marin O, Plump AS, Mak J, Pleasure SJ, Rubenstein JL, Tessier-Lavigne M: Slit proteins prevent midline crossing and determine the dorsoventral position of major axonal pathways in the mammalian forebrain. Neuron. 2002, 33 (2): 233-248. 10.1016/S0896-6273(02)00561-5
Marillat V, Cases O, Nguyen-Ba-Charvet KT, Tessier-Lavigne M, Sotelo C, Chedotal A: Spatiotemporal expression patterns of slit and robo genes in the rat brain. J Comp Neurol. 2002, 442 (2): 130-155. 10.1002/cne.10068
Whitford KL, Marillat V, Stein E, Goodman CS, Tessier-Lavigne M, Chedotal A, Ghosh A: Regulation of cortical dendrite development by slit-robo interactions. Neuron. 2002, 33 (1): 47-61. 10.1016/S0896-6273(01)00566-9
Yuan W, Zhou L, Chen JH, Wu JY, Rao Y, Ornitz DM: The mouse SLIT family: secreted ligands for ROBO expressed in patterns that suggest a role in morphogenesis and axon guidance. Dev Biol. 1999, 212 (2): 290-306. 10.1006/dbio.1999.9371
Andrews W, Barber M, Hernadez-Miranda LR, Xian J, Rakic S, Sundaresan V, Rabbitts TH, Pannell R, Rabbitts P, Thompson H: The role of slit-robo signaling in the generation, migration and morphological differentiation of cortical interneurons. Dev Biol. 2008, 313 (2): 648-658. 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.10.052
Andrews W, Liapi A, Plachez C, Camurri L, Zhang J, Mori S, Murakami F, Parnavelas JG, Sundaresan V, Richards LJ: Robo1 regulates the development of major axon tracts and interneuron migration in the forebrain. Development. 2006, 133 (11): 2243-2252. 10.1242/dev.02379
Andrews WD, Barber M, Parnavelas JG: Slit-robo interactions during cortical development. J Anat. 2007, 211 (2): 188-198. 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2007.00750.x
Barber M, Di Meglio T, Andrews WD, Hernandez-Miranda LR, Murakami F, Chedotal A, Parnavelas JG: The role of Robo3 in the development of cortical interneurons. Cereb Cortex. 2009, 19 (Suppl 1): i22-i31.
Zimmer G, Garcez P, Rudolph J, Niehage R, Weth F, Lent R, Bolz J: Ephrin-A5 acts as a repulsive cue for migrating cortical interneurons. Eur J Neurosci. 2008, 28 (1): 62-73. 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06320.x
Rudolph J, Zimmer G, Steinecke A, Barchmann S, Bolz J: Ephrins guide migrating cortical interneurons in the basal telencephalon. Cell Adh Migr. 2010, 4 (3): 400-408. 10.4161/cam.4.3.11640
Sanchez-Alcaniz JA, Haege S, Mueller W, Pla R, Mackay F, Schulz S, Lopez-Bendito G, Stumm R, Marin O: Cxcr7 controls neuronal migration by regulating chemokine responsiveness. Neuron. 2011, 69 (1): 77-90. 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.12.006
Tiveron MC, Rossel M, Moepps B, Zhang YL, Seidenfaden R, Favor J, Konig N, Cremer H: Molecular interaction between projection neuron precursors and invading interneurons via stromal-derived factor 1 (CXCL12)/CXCR4 signaling in the cortical subventricular zone/intermediate zone. J Neurosci. 2006, 26 (51): 13273-13278. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4162-06.2006
Li G, Adesnik H, Li J, Long J, Nicoll RA, Rubenstein JL, Pleasure SJ: Regional distribution of cortical interneurons and development of inhibitory tone are regulated by Cxcl12/Cxcr4 signaling. J Neurosci. 2008, 28 (5): 1085-1098. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4602-07.2008
Flames N, Long JE, Garratt AN, Fischer TM, Gassmann M, Birchmeier C, Lai C, Rubenstein JL, Marin O: Short- and long-range attraction of cortical GABAergic interneurons by neuregulin-1. Neuron. 2004, 44 (2): 251-261. 10.1016/j.neuron.2004.09.028
Martini FJ, Valiente M, Lopez Bendito G, Szabo G, Moya F, Valdeolmillos M, Marin O: Biased selection of leading process branches mediates chemotaxis during tangential neuronal migration. Development. 2009, 136 (1): 41-50. 10.1242/dev.025502
Yau HJ, Wang HF, Lai C, Liu FC: Neural development of the neuregulin receptor ErbB4 in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus: preferential expression by interneurons tangentially migrating from the ganglionic eminences. Cereb Cortex. 2003, 13 (3): 252-264. 10.1093/cercor/13.3.252
Gong S, Zheng C, Doughty ML, Losos K, Didkovsky N, Schambra UB, Nowak NJ, Joyner A, Leblanc G, Hatten ME: A gene expression atlas of the central nervous system based on bacterial artificial chromosomes. Nature. 2003, 425 (6961): 917-925. 10.1038/nature02033
Alifragis P, Liapi A, Parnavelas JG: Lhx6 regulates the migration of cortical interneurons from the ventral telencephalon but does not specify their GABA phenotype. J Neurosci. 2004, 24 (24): 5643-5648. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1245-04.2004
Nobrega-Pereira S, Kessaris N, Du T, Kimura S, Anderson SA, Marin O: Postmitotic Nkx2-1 controls the migration of telencephalic interneurons by direct repression of guidance receptors. Neuron. 2008, 59 (5): 733-745. 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.07.024
Cobos I, Borello U, Rubenstein JL: Dlx transcription factors promote migration through repression of axon and dendrite growth. Neuron. 2007, 54 (6): 873-888. 10.1016/j.neuron.2007.05.024
Cobos I, Broccoli V, Rubenstein JL: The vertebrate ortholog of Aristaless is regulated by Dlx genes in the developing forebrain. J Comp Neurol. 2005, 483 (3): 292-303. 10.1002/cne.20405
Colombo E, Collombat P, Colasante G, Bianchi M, Long J, Mansouri A, Rubenstein JL, Broccoli V: Inactivation of Arx, the murine ortholog of the X-linked lissencephaly with ambiguous genitalia gene, leads to severe disorganization of the ventral telencephalon with impaired neuronal migration and differentiation. J Neurosci. 2007, 27 (17): 4786-4798. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0417-07.2007
Kitamura K, Yanazawa M, Sugiyama N, Miura H, Iizuka-Kogo A, Kusaka M, Omichi K, Suzuki R, Kato-Fukui Y, Kamiirisa K: Mutation of ARX causes abnormal development of forebrain and testes in mice and X-linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia in humans. Nat Genet. 2002, 32 (3): 359-369. 10.1038/ng1009
Marsh E, Fulp C, Gomez E, Nasrallah I, Minarcik J, Sudi J, Christian SL, Mancini G, Labosky P, Dobyns W: Targeted loss of Arx results in a developmental epilepsy mouse model and recapitulates the human phenotype in heterozygous females. Brain. 2009, 132 (Pt 6): 1563-1576.
Cuzon VC, Yeh PW, Cheng Q, Yeh HH: Ambient GABA promotes cortical entry of tangentially migrating cells derived from the medial ganglionic eminence. Cereb Cortex. 2006, 16 (10): 1377-1388.
Lopez-Bendito G, Lujan R, Shigemoto R, Ganter P, Paulsen O, Molnar Z: Blockade of GABA(B) receptors alters the tangential migration of cortical neurons. Cereb Cortex. 2003, 13 (9): 932-942. 10.1093/cercor/13.9.932
Cuzon Carlson VC, Yeh HH: GABAA receptor subunit profiles of tangentially migrating neurons derived from the medial ganglionic eminence. Cereb Cortex. 2011, 21 (8): 1792-1802. 10.1093/cercor/bhq247
Crandall JE, McCarthy DM, Araki KY, Sims JR, Ren JQ, Bhide PG: Dopamine receptor activation modulates GABA neuron migration from the basal forebrain to the cerebral cortex. J Neurosci. 2007, 27 (14): 3813-3822. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5124-06.2007
Ohtani N, Goto T, Waeber C, Bhide PG: Dopamine modulates cell cycle in the lateral ganglionic eminence. J Neurosci. 2003, 23 (7): 2840-2850.
Sahara S, Yanagawa Y, O’Leary DD, Stevens CF: The fraction of cortical GABAergic neurons is constant from near the start of cortical neurogenesis to adulthood. J Neurosci. 2012, 32 (14): 4755-4761. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.6412-11.2012
Faux C, Rakic S, Andrews W, Britto JM: Neurons on the move: migration and lamination of cortical interneurons. Neurosignals. 2012, 20 (3): 168-189. 10.1159/000334489
Bortone D, Polleux F: KCC2 expression promotes the termination of cortical interneuron migration in a voltage-sensitive calcium-dependent manner. Neuron. 2009, 62 (1): 53-71. 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.01.034
Elvevag B, Goldberg TE: Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is the core of the disorder. Crit Rev Neurobiol. 2000, 14 (1): 1-21.
Sitskoorn MM, Aleman A, Ebisch SJ, Appels MC, Kahn RS: Cognitive deficits in relatives of patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis. Schizophr Res. 2004, 71 (2–3): 285-295.
Benes FM, McSparren J, Bird ED, SanGiovanni JP, Vincent SL: Deficits in small interneurons in prefrontal and cingulate cortices of schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1991, 48 (11): 996-1001. 10.1001/archpsyc.1991.01810350036005
Akbarian S, Kim JJ, Potkin SG, Hagman JO, Tafazzoli A, Bunney WE Jr, Jones EG: Gene expression for glutamic acid decarboxylase is reduced without loss of neurons in prefrontal cortex of schizophrenics. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1995, 52 (4): 258-266. 10.1001/archpsyc.1995.03950160008002
Hashimoto T, Volk DW, Eggan SM, Mirnics K, Pierri JN, Sun Z, Sampson AR, Lewis DA: Gene expression deficits in a subclass of GABA neurons in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with schizophrenia. J Neurosci. 2003, 23 (15): 6315-6326.
Lewis DA, Sweet RA: Schizophrenia from a neural circuitry perspective: advancing toward rational pharmacological therapies. J Clin Invest. 2009, 119 (4): 706-716. 10.1172/JCI37335
Lisman JE, Coyle JT, Green RW, Javitt DC, Benes FM, Heckers S, Grace AA: Circuit-based framework for understanding neurotransmitter and risk gene interactions in schizophrenia. Trends Neurosci. 2008, 31 (5): 234-242. 10.1016/j.tins.2008.02.005
Barr MS, Farzan F, Tran LC, Chen R, Fitzgerald PB, Daskalakis ZJ: Evidence for excessive frontal evoked gamma oscillatory activity in schizophrenia during working memory. Schizophr Res. 2010, 121 (1–3): 146-152.
Farzan F, Barr MS, Levinson AJ, Chen R, Wong W, Fitzgerald PB, Daskalakis ZJ: Evidence for gamma inhibition deficits in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia. Brain. 2010, 133 (Pt 5): 1505-1514.
Haenschel C, Bittner RA, Waltz J, Haertling F, Wibral M, Singer W, Linden DE, Rodriguez E: Cortical oscillatory activity is critical for working memory as revealed by deficits in early-onset schizophrenia. J Neurosci. 2009, 29 (30): 9481-9489. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1428-09.2009
Uhlhaas PJ, Singer W: Abnormal neural oscillations and synchrony in schizophrenia. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2010, 11 (2): 100-113. 10.1038/nrn2774
Stefansson H, Sarginson J, Kong A, Yates P, Steinthorsdottir V, Gudfinnsson E, Gunnarsdottir S, Walker N, Petursson H, Crombie C: Association of neuregulin 1 with schizophrenia confirmed in a Scottish population. Am J Hum Genet. 2003, 72 (1): 83-87. 10.1086/345442
Harrison PJ, Law AJ: Neuregulin 1 and schizophrenia: genetics, gene expression, and neurobiology. Biol Psychiatry. 2006, 60 (2): 132-140. 10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.11.002
Wen L, Lu YS, Zhu XH, Li XM, Woo RS, Chen YJ, Yin DM, Lai C, Terry AV Jr, Vazdarjanova A: Neuregulin 1 regulates pyramidal neuron activity via ErbB4 in parvalbumin-positive interneurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010, 107 (3): 1211-1216. 10.1073/pnas.0910302107
Mei L, Xiong WC: Neuregulin 1 in neural development, synaptic plasticity and schizophrenia. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008, 9 (6): 437-452.
Fazzari P, Paternain AV, Valiente M, Pla R, Lujan R, Lloyd K, Lerma J, Marin O, Rico B: Control of cortical GABA circuitry development by Nrg1 and ErbB4 signalling. Nature. 2010, 464 (7293): 1376-1380. 10.1038/nature08928
Vullhorst D, Neddens J, Karavanova I, Tricoire L, Petralia RS, McBain CJ, Buonanno A: Selective expression of ErbB4 in interneurons, but not pyramidal cells, of the rodent hippocampus. J Neurosci. 2009, 29 (39): 12255-12264. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2454-09.2009
Millar JK, Wilson-Annan JC, Anderson S, Christie S, Taylor MS, Semple CA, Devon RS, St Clair DM, Muir WJ, Blackwood DH: Disruption of two novel genes by a translocation co-segregating with schizophrenia. Hum Mol Genet. 2000, 9 (9): 1415-1423. 10.1093/hmg/9.9.1415
Hikida T, Jaaro-Peled H, Seshadri S, Oishi K, Hookway C, Kong S, Wu D, Xue R, Andrade M, Tankou S: Dominant-negative DISC1 transgenic mice display schizophrenia-associated phenotypes detected by measures translatable to humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007, 104 (36): 14501-14506. 10.1073/pnas.0704774104
Niwa M, Kamiya A, Murai R, Kubo K, Gruber AJ, Tomita K, Lu L, Tomisato S, Jaaro-Peled H, Seshadri S: Knockdown of DISC1 by in utero gene transfer disturbs postnatal dopaminergic maturation in the frontal cortex and leads to adult behavioral deficits. Neuron. 2010, 65 (4): 480-489. 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.01.019
Porteous DJ, Millar JK, Brandon NJ, Sawa A: DISC1 at 10: connecting psychiatric genetics and neuroscience. Trends Mol Med. 2011, 17 (12): 699-706. 10.1016/j.molmed.2011.09.002
Ji Y, Yang F, Papaleo F, Wang HX, Gao WJ, Weinberger DR, Lu B: Role of dysbindin in dopamine receptor trafficking and cortical GABA function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009, 106 (46): 19593-19598. 10.1073/pnas.0904289106
Straub RE, Jiang Y, MacLean CJ, Ma Y, Webb BT, Myakishev MV, Harris-Kerr C, Wormley B, Sadek H, Kadambi B: Genetic variation in the 6p22.3 gene DTNBP1, the human ortholog of the mouse dysbindin gene, is associated with schizophrenia. Am J Hum Genet. 2002, 71 (2): 337-348. 10.1086/341750
Talbot K, Eidem WL, Tinsley CL, Benson MA, Thompson EW, Smith RJ, Hahn CG, Siegel SJ, Trojanowski JQ, Gur RE: Dysbindin-1 is reduced in intrinsic, glutamatergic terminals of the hippocampal formation in schizophrenia. J Clin Invest. 2004, 113 (9): 1353-1363.
Weickert CS, Straub RE, McClintock BW, Matsumoto M, Hashimoto R, Hyde TM, Herman MM, Weinberger DR, Kleinman JE: Human dysbindin (DTNBP1) gene expression in normal brain and in schizophrenic prefrontal cortex and midbrain. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2004, 61 (6): 544-555. 10.1001/archpsyc.61.6.544
Ottis P, Bader V, Trossbach SV, Kretzschmar H, Michel M, Leliveld SR, Korth C: Convergence of two independent mental disease genes on the protein level: recruitment of dysbindin to cell-invasive disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 aggresomes. Biol Psychiatry. 2011, 70 (7): 604-610. 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.03.027
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors’ contribution
Both CK and WL contributed to writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Authors’ original submitted files for images
Below are the links to the authors’ original submitted files for images.
Rights and permissions
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
About this article
Cite this article
Kelsom, C., Lu, W. Development and specification of GABAergic cortical interneurons. Cell Biosci 3, 19 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-3701-3-19
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-3701-3-19