Neuronal migration occurs through contact-dependent mechanisms [requiring cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs)] and contact-independent mechanisms (involving diffusible molecules). Classic cadherins are calcium-dependent homophilic CAMs with roles in neuronal development and in the migration of non-neuronal cells;Murakami and colleagues now provide the first evidence (on p. 1923) that they also contribute to contact-dependent neuronal migration. The authors focused on the lateral reticular nucleus (LRN) and external cuneate nucleus (ECN) neurons that relay information to the cerebellum. They showed that cadherin mRNAs(specifically CAD6, CAD8, CAD11 and NCAD) are expressed in the migratory streams of LRN and ECN neurons in vivo, and that dominant-negative NCAD perturbs neuron migration in vitro and in vivo. But through what mechanism?Dominant-negative cadherin does not change the responsiveness of neurons to the attractive guidance molecules arising from the floor plate; neither does it affect TAG1, known to be involved in their migration. Instead, the authors suggest that cadherins' adhesive...
The Company of Biologists Workshops
For the last 15 years, our publisher, The Company of Biologists, has provided an apt environment to inspire biology and support biologists through our Workshops series. Read about the evolution of the Workshop series and revisit JEB's experience with hosting the first Global South Workshop.
Call for papers – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues
Development invites you to submit your latest research to our upcoming special issue – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues. This issue will be coordinated by Guest Editors Meritxell Huch (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany) and Mansi Srivastava (Harvard University and Museum of Comparative Zoology, USA), working alongside our team of academic Editors. Submit your articles by 30 May 2025.
Meet our 2025 Pathway to Independence (PI) fellows
We are delighted to announce our third cohort of PI fellows - researchers whom we will be supporting as they transition from postdoc to Principal Investigator. Read about the eight talented fellows chosen, whom we're excited to be working with as they navigate the job market.
A case for broadening our view of mechanism in developmental biology
In this Perspective, B. Duygu Özpolat and colleagues survey researchers on their views on what it takes to infer mechanism in developmental biology. They examine what factors shape our idea of what we mean by ‘mechanism’ and suggest a path forward that embraces a broad outlook on the diversity of studies that advance knowledge in our field.
the Node: Have your say
Our community site, the Node, is conducting a user survey about the content and the design of the site. Help us shape the Node's future and thank you for being a part of the Node over the last 15 years.
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