1. Retinal axon growth at the optic chiasm: to cross or not to cross.
- Author
-
Petros TJ, Rebsam A, and Mason CA
- Subjects
- Animals, Brain physiology, Functional Laterality genetics, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental genetics, Growth Cones physiology, Humans, Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins genetics, Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins metabolism, Optic Chiasm physiology, Retina physiology, Retinal Ganglion Cells physiology, Visual Pathways embryology, Visual Pathways physiology, Brain embryology, Growth Cones ultrastructure, Optic Chiasm embryology, Retina embryology, Retinal Ganglion Cells cytology, Vision, Binocular physiology
- Abstract
At the optic chiasm, retinal ganglion cell axons from each eye converge and segregate into crossed and uncrossed projections, a pattern critical for binocular vision. Here, we review recent findings on optic chiasm development, highlighting the specific transcription factors and guidance cues that implement retinal axon divergence into crossed and uncrossed pathways. Although mechanisms underlying the formation of the uncrossed projection have been identified, the means by which retinal axons are guided across the midline are still unclear. In addition to directives provided by transcription factors and receptors in the retina, gene expression in the ventral diencephalon influences chiasm formation. Throughout this review, we compare guidance mechanisms at the optic chiasm with those in other midline models and highlight unanswered questions both for retinal axon growth and axon guidance in general.
- Published
- 2008
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