Origins of neocortical interneurons in mice

GABAergic interneurons influence the development and function of the cerebral cortex through the actions of a variety of subtypes. Despite the relevance to cortical function and dysfunction, including seizure disorders and neuropsychiatric illnesses, the molecular determinants of interneuron fate remain largely unidentified. Challenges to this endeavor include the difficulty of studying fate determination of cells that even in rodents do not fully mature until weeks after their embryonic birth. However, in recent years a strong literature has grown on the temporal and spatial origins of distinct interneuron groups and types. Here we seek to highlight these findings, particularly in mice. Our goal is to lay the groundwork for future studies that use mouse genetics to study cortical interneuron fate determination and function.