AUTHOR=Kikkawa Takako , Osumi Noriko 

TITLE=Multiple Functions of the Dmrt Genes in the Development of the Central Nervous System

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroscience

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.789583

DOI=10.3389/fnins.2021.789583

ISSN=1662-453X

ABSTRACT=<p>The <italic>Dmrt</italic> genes encode the transcription factor containing the DM (doublesex and mab-3) domain, an intertwined zinc finger-like DNA binding module. While <italic>Dmrt</italic> genes are mainly involved in the sexual development of various species, recent studies have revealed that <italic>Dmrt</italic> genes, which belong to <italic>the DmrtA</italic> subfamily, are differentially expressed in the embryonic brain and spinal cord and are essential for the development of the central nervous system. Herein, we summarize recent studies that reveal the multiple functions of the <italic>Dmrt</italic> genes in various aspects of vertebrate neural development, including brain patterning, neurogenesis, and the specification of neurons.</p>