Integrated Patterning Programs During Drosophila Development Generate the Diversity of Neurons and Control Their Mature Properties

• Published in: Annual review of neuroscience Vol. 44; no. 1; pp. 153 - 172
• Main Authors: Rossi, Anthony M, Jafari, Shadi, Desplan, Claude
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Annual Reviews 08.07.2021; Annual Reviews, Inc
• Subjects: Animals; Drosophila; Drosophila Proteins - genetics; Embryogenesis; Insects; Nervous system; Neural Stem Cells; Neurogenesis; Neurons; Notch; Pattern formation; Pupation; sensory organ precursor; spatial patterning; Stem cells; temporal patterning; spatial patterning; neurogenesis; temporal patterning; Drosophila; sensory organ precursor; Notch
• ISSN: 0147-006X; 1545-4126
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-102120-014813

During the approximately 5 days of Drosophila neurogenesis (late embryogenesis to the beginning of pupation), a limited number of neural stem cells produce approximately 200,000 neurons comprising hundreds of cell types. To build a functional nervous system, neuronal types need to be produced in the proper places, appropriate numbers, and correct times. We discuss how neural stem cells (neuroblasts) obtain so-called area codes for their positions in the nervous system (spatial patterning) and how they keep time to sequentially produce neurons with unique fates (temporal patterning). We focus on specific examples that demonstrate how a relatively simple patterning system (Notch) can be used reiteratively to generate different neuronal types. We also speculate on how different modes of temporal patterning that operate over short versus long time periods might be linked. We end by discussing how specification programs are integrated and lead to the terminal features of different neuronal types.