The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an environment rich in structural and signaling molecules, including growth factors and cytokines. Together, these signals are capable of changing cellular morphology and gene expression in response to extracellular environmental cues. Structural proteins in the ECM such as laminin transduce their signals through integrin receptors on the cell surface which are linked to a wide array of cytoplasmic signaling cascades, cytoskeletal adaptor proteins, growth factor receptors and transcription factors. Molecules contained within the ECM can signal the differentiation or proliferation of progenitor cells and thus contribute to the formation of a stem cell "niche" as well as areas of lineage specific differentiation. The interpretation of these extracellular signals largely depends on the cell type and the existing intracellular machinery. In this study, we analyze the fate commitment decisions of both late and early neural progenitors in response to molecules contained in the extracellular millieu of the developing cortex.

Last modified

• 06/26/2018

Creator

• Catherine Czeisler

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/N27996

Subject

• 20070515

Keyword

• Biology

Date created

• 2007-05-15

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright