FIGURE 14.

Summary diagram of transcription factor expression in the developing human thalamus. (A) Counter and overlapping gradients of PAX6 and NR2F2, suggesting at least 4 compartments that could produce different types of cells. (B) Illustrates protomap of transcription factor expression for post-mitotic neurons in early thalamus (8–10 PCW). For instance, ZIC4 tended to be more highly expressed anteriorly and laterally, FOXP2 posteriorly and medially. (C) By 14/15 PCW, emerging thalamic nuclei were distinguishable by their transcription factor expression. Higher order cognitive nuclei are marked in red, higher order sensory or motor integration nuclei in green and first order sensory or motor nuclei in blue (according to Sherman and Guillery, 2006). Each center characterized by its own combination of expression but no particular patterns are typical of each the three functional types. ANT, anterior; POS, posterior; HAB, habenula; PV; paraventricular; MD, mediodorsal; LD, laterodorsal; PULV; pulvinar; PM, medial pulvinar; PL, lateral pulvinar; VA/VM; ventral anterior/medial; VL; ventrolateral; LP, lateral posterior; VPM, ventral posterior medial; VPL, ventral posterior lateral; CM/PF, centromedian nucleus/parafascicular complex; MGN, medial geniculate nucleus; LGN, lateral geniculate nucleus.