NEUROD AND NEUROGENESIS

NeuroD is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor cloned from a two hybrid screen designed to search for new bHLH proteins. In our previous studies, we showed that NeuroD could convert Xenopus ecto derm into fully differentiated neurons and that it could prematurely d ifferentiate neural precursor cells in the nervous system. Recently, a n insulin transcription activator, Beta-2, was cloned from a hamster i nsulinoma cell line by Naya et al. [Genes Dev (1995)9:1009-1019]. Sequ ence analysis revealed that Beta-2 is the hamster homologue of NeuroD. We are currently investigating the role that NeuroD/Beta-2 plays in v ertebrate neurogenesis and pancreatic development.