ABSTRACT
Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) Large family of transcription factors (many of which are neurogenic) that dimerize through a helix-loop-helix motif and then bind DNA via the adjacent basic domain. Includes HES, neurogenin, NeuroD, ASH, MASH, ATH, and MATH. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) Members of the tumor growth factor beta (TGFb) superfamily of signal peptides. Roles include pushing ectodermal cells towards an epidermal rather than a neural fate. Chordin Inhibitor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Appears to play a role in neural induction. Cyclins Components of kinase complexes that regulate transitions throughout the cell cycle. ErbB Receptor family for neuregulins. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) Family of small signal peptides, different members implicated in inhibiting and stimulating neural differentiation. Lateral inhibition Phenomenon whereby neighboring cells inhibit each other from following certain developmental pathways via the Notch signaling pathway:
• Delta – Cell-surface ligand for Notch. • Serrate – Cell-surface ligand for Notch. • Notch – Cell-surface receptor. Neural Term applied to tissue capable of producing cells of the nervous system. Neural induction Process by which tissues signal to ectoderm to become neural.
