The Fd4 transcription factor translates transient spatial cues in progenitors into long-term lineage identity (opens in new tab)

The brain contains a diverse range of neurons that form networks responsible for our thoughts, movements and behaviours. All neurons originate from neural stem cells, the earliest cells of the nervous system. However, neural stem cells are not identical; each is programmed to generate specific neuron types. During early development, stem cells receive brief signals that provide temporary instructions about which neurons to produce. A key challenge is that these signals are short-lived, wherea...