Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2025

Visualization of Thalamocortical Axon Branching and Synapse Formation in Organotypic Cocultures
Published on: March 28, 2018
Thalamocortical axons regulate neurogenesis and laminar fates in the early sensory cortex
Timothy Monko1,2, Jaclyn Rebertus1, Jeff Stolley1
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
Abstract:
Area-specific axonal projections from the mammalian thalamus shape unique cellular organization in target areas in the adult neocortex. How these axons control neurogenesis and early neuronal fate specification is poorly understood. By using mutant mice lacking the majority of thalamocortical axons, we show that these axons are required for the production and specification of the proper number of layer 4 neurons in primary sensory areas by the neonatal stage. Part of these area-specific roles is played by the thalamus-derived molecule, VGF. Our work reveals that extrinsic cues from sensory thalamic projections have an early role in the formation of cortical cytoarchitecture by enhancing the production and specification of layer 4 neurons.
Related Concept Videos
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
Nervous Tissue: Myelin
Schwann cells begin to form myelin sheaths around axons during fetal development. They wrap around a small...
Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
Neurulation

