Mouse forebrain development. The role of Emx2 homeobox gene

Over the last few years great progress has been made in the understanding o f the formation of the mouse forebrain. Among the genes involved in this pr ocess, the mouse Emx homeobox genes Emx1 and particularly Emx2 play a prima ry role. Here we describe the mRNA and protein expression related to Emx2 i n the developing mouse telencephalon, as well as the results obtained study ing the corresponding knock-out mice. Our findings indicate a role for this gene in the specification of the forebrain via the control of cell prolife ration, as well as in guiding neuronal migration during development through the cortical plate. These studies will hopefully enable us to better under stand the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of the mouse cerebr al cortex as well as to establish relevant interactions between the various proteins present in this region of the brain. (C) 1999 Academie des scienc es / Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.