Many migrating neurons and growing axons reach their correct targets during brain development by adjusting the growth of their leading process in response to guidance cues. Now, though, Martini and co-workers propose that the dynamic regulation of leading process branching may represent a novel guidance mechanism for migrating neurons (see p. 41). The researchers use time-lapse videomicroscopy to analyse the dynamic behaviour of individual neurons migrating tangentially in mouse telencephalic slices. Cortical interneurons (and other populations of GABAergic neurons) consistently form branched processes during their migration, they report, and respond to chemoattractant signals by generating branches that are better aligned with the source of the signal rather than by re-orientating existing branches. In addition, guidance cues influence the angle at which new branches emerge, and inhibition of branching with a ROCK inhibitor (Rho/ROCK signalling regulates the actin cytoskeleton) blocks chemotaxis. Thus, the researchers suggest, the directional migration of neurons...
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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