The GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-containing interneurons of the neocortex are largely derived from the ganglionic eminences in the subpallium. Numerous studies have previously defined the migratory paths travelled by these neurons from their origins to their destinations in the cortex. We review here results of studies that have identified many of the genes expressed in the subpallium that are involved in the specification of the subtypes of cortical interneurons, and the numerous transcription factors, motogenic factors and guidance molecules that are involved in their migration.
Keywords: 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine; AEP, anterior entopeduncular; BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; CGE, caudal ganglionic eminence; CP, cortical plate; CR, calretinin; CXCR, CXC chemokine receptor; E, embryonic day; GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid; GABAR, GABA receptor; HGF/SF, hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor; IZ, intermediate zone; LGE, lateral ganglionic eminence; MGE, medial ganglionic eminence; MZ, marginal zone; NGR, neuregulin; NPY, neuropeptide Y; Nrp, neuropilin; POA, preoptic area; PV, paravalbumin; Robo, Roundabout; SDF-1, stromal-derived factor 1; SHH, sonic hedgehog; SST, somatostatin; SVZ, subventricular zone; VZ, ventricular zone; gene expression; interneuron; migration; neocortex; neuronal specification; subpallium.