Yu. Zhao et al., Control of hippocampal morphogenesis and neuronal differentiation by the LIM homeobox gene Lhx5, SCIENCE, 284(5417), 1999, pp. 1155-1158
The mammalian hippocampus contains the neural circuitry that is crucial for
cognitive functions such as Learning and memory. The development of such c
ircuitry is dependent on the generation and correct placement of the approp
riate number and types of neurons. Mice Lacking function of the LIM homeobo
x gene Lhx5 showed a defect in hippocampus development. Hippocampal neural
precursor cells were specified and proliferated, but many of them failed to
either exit the cell cycle or to differentiate and migrate properly. Lhx5
is therefore essential for the regulation of precursor cell proliferation a
nd the control of neuronal differentiation and migration during hippocampal
development.