Identification of distinct telencephalic progenitor pools for neuronal diversity in the amygdala

The development of the amygdala, a central structure of the limbic system, remains poorly understood. We found that two spatially distinct and early-specified telencephalic progenitor pools marked by the homeodomain transcription factor Dbx1 are major sources of neuronal cell diversity in the mature mouse amygdala. We found that Dbx1-positive cells of the ventral pallium generate the excitatory neurons of the basolateral complex and cortical amygdala nuclei. Moreover, Dbx1-derived cells comprise a previously unknown migratory stream that emanates from the preoptic area (POA), a ventral telencephalic domain adjacent to the diencephalic border. The Dbx1-positive, POA-derived population migrated specifically to the amygdala and, as defined by both immunochemical and electrophysiological criteria, generated a unique subclass of inhibitory neurons in the medial amygdala nucleus. Thus, this POA-derived population represents a previously unknown progenitor pool dedicated to the limbic system.Fil: Hirata, Tsutomu. Children’s National Medical Center. Center for Neuroscience Research; Estados UnidosFil: Li, Peijun. University Of Georgetown; Estados UnidosFil: Lanuza, Guillermo Marcos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Cocas, Laura A.. Children’s National Medical Center. Center for Neuroscience Research; Estados Unidos. University Of Georgetown; Estados UnidosFil: Huntsman, Molly M.. University Of Georgetown; Estados UnidosFil: Corbin, Joshua G.. Children’s National Medical Center. Center for Neuroscience Research; Estados Unido