Review
Nature Reviews Genetics 4, 784-793 (October 2003) | doi:10.1038/nrg1181
The genetic basis of mammalian neurulation
Andrew J. Copp1, Nicholas D. E. Greene1 About the authors & Jennifer N. Murdoch2
Abstract
More than 80 mutant mouse genes disrupt neurulation and allow an in-depth analysis of the underlying developmental mechanisms. Although many of the genetic mutants have been studied in only rudimentary detail, several molecular pathways can already be identified as crucial for normal neurulation. These include the planar cell-polarity pathway, which is required for the initiation of neural tube closure, and the sonic hedgehog signalling pathway that regulates neural plate bending. Mutant mice also offer an opportunity to unravel the mechanisms by which folic acid prevents neural tube defects, and to develop new therapies for folate-resistant defects.
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Author affiliations
- Neural Development Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
- MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK.
Correspondence to: Andrew J. Copp1 Email: a.copp@ich.ucl.ac.uk
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