Molecular features distinguish ten neuronal types in the XXXX superficial superior colliculus.

@entity227 @entity19 @entity71591 @entity71590 @entity16160 @entity5138 @entity10501 @entity460 @entity36836 @entity1943 @entity71588 @entity71589 @entity554
UNASSIGNED: The superior colliculus (SC) is a midbrain center involved in controlling head and eye movements in response to inputs from multiple sensory modalities. Visual inputs arise from both the @entity227 and converge onto the superficial layer of the SC (sSC). Neurons in sSC send information to deeper layers of SC and to thalamic nuclei that modulate visually guided behaviors. Presently, our understanding of sSC neurons is impeded by a lack of molecular markers that define specific cell types. To better understand the identity and organization of sSC neurons, we took a systematic approach to investigate gene expression within four molecular families: transcription factors, cell adhesion molecules, neuropeptides and @entity460 binding proteins. Our analysis revealed 12 molecules with distinct expression patterns in @entity19 sSC: @entity71588 , @entity71589 , @entity71590 , @entity36836 , @entity71591 , @entity554 -related orphan receptor b, @entity16160 , Ets variant gene 1, @entity10501 , @entity1943 , vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and @entity5138 . Double labeling experiments, by either in situ hybridization or immunostaining, demonstrated that the 12 molecular markers collectively define 10 different sSC neuronal types. The characteristic positions of these cell types divide sSC into 4 distinct layers. The 12 markers identified here will serve as valuable tools to examine molecular mechanisms that regulate development of sSC neuron types. These markers could also be used to examine the connections between specific cell types that form retinocollicular, corticocollicular or colliculothalamic pathways. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
