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The GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-containing interneurons of the neocortex are largely derived from the ganglionic eminences in the subpallium. Numerous studies have previously defined the migratory paths travelled by these neurons from their origins to their destinations in the cortex. We review here results of studies that have identified many of the genes expressed in the subpallium that are involved in the specification of the subtypes of cortical interneurons, and the numerous transcription factors, motogenic factors and guidance molecules that are involved in their migration.

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Key words: gene expression, interneuron, migration, neocortex, neuronal specification, subpallium

Abbreviations: AEP, anterior entopeduncular, BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, CGE, caudal ganglionic eminence, CR, calretinin, CP, cortical plate, CXCR, CXC chemokine receptor, E, embryonic day, GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid, GABAR, GABA receptor, HGF/SF, hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine, IZ, intermediate zone, LGE, lateral ganglionic eminence, MGE, medial ganglionic eminence, MZ, marginal zone, NGR, neuregulin, NPY, neuropeptide Y, Nrp, neuropilin, POA, preoptic area, PV, paravalbumin, Robo, Roundabout, SDF-1, stromal-derived factor 1, SHH, sonic hedgehog, SST, somatostatin, SVZ, subventricular zone, VZ, ventricular zone

¹To whom correspondence should be addressed (email: f.chiara@ucl.ac.uk).

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INTRODUCTION

Interest in neuronal migration in the cerebral cortex has never been greater, because investigations into the mechanisms that regulate neuronal movement pointed to migration abnormalities in several naturally occurring genetic defects in humans (Ross and Walsh, 2001). This is particularly the case for the GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-containing interneurons, since it was discovered in the late 1990s that they do not arise in the pallial ventricular zone but, instead, originate in distinct subpallial regions (Parnavelas, 2000; Wonders and Anderson, 2005). Specifically, fate-mapping experiments and loss-of-function analyses in rodents have shown that cortical interneurons arise predominantly from the medial (MGE) and caudal (CGE) ganglionic eminences (Tamamaki et al., 1997; Lavdas et al., 1999; Wichterle et al., 1999; Nery et al., 2002; Xu et al., 2004), and from the embryonic POA (preoptic area) (Gelman et al., 2009). Studies in avian and zebrafish brains have also demonstrated the subpallial origin of GABAergic interneurons (Cobos et al., 2001; Tuorto et al., 2003; Mione et al., 2008). However, recent observations in fetal human and monkey brains have suggested that a substantial proportion of cortical interneurons may arise from the lateral ventricular epithelium (Letinic et al., 2002; Rakic and Zecevic, 2003; Fertuzinhos et al., 2009).

Abundant evidence indicates that cortical interneurons comprise distinct neuronal subpopulations as defined by their morphological, neurochemical and electrophysiological properties (Ramón y Cajal, 1911; Lorente de Nó, 1922; Parnavelas et al., 1989; Kawaguchi, 1993; Markram et al., 2004; Butt et al., 2005). It has been suggested that the generation of the different subpopulations is linked to regional differences, defined by the expression of particular combinations of transcription factors, in the specification of progenitor cells in the subpallium (Wonders and Anderson, 2006; Flames et al., 2007; Wonders et al., 2008). However, it has yet not been firmly established what factors contribute to the generation of interneuron diversity in the cerebral cortex.

Numerous studies have traced in detail the three long and tortuous migratory paths that interneurons follow from their origins in the subpallium to the cortex (reviewed in Corbin et al., 2001; Marin and Rubenstein, 2003; Métin et al., 2006). However, there exists evidence for other streams. Specifically, Yozu et al. (2005) have documented the presence of a stream for the caudal migration of CGE interneurons, and Inta et al. (2008) identified a stream of migrating 5-HT_3A (5-hydroxytryptamine) interneurons that arises in the SVZ (subventricular zone) and is postnatally directed towards the occipital cortex. Once in the cortex, interneurons display diverse migratory behaviours before settling in their positions in the developing CP (cortical plate) (Nadarajah et al., 2002; Ang et al., 2003; Tanaka et al., 2006). More recently, Tanaka et al. (2009) described multidirectional, long-distance and often prolonged movement of interneurons in the MZ (marginal zone) prior to descending radially to the CP. These authors speculated that these behaviours may contribute to the dispersion of these cells throughout the cortex. Furthermore, work by Yokota et al. (2007) has suggested that radial glia may provide a structural matrix for allocating interneurons within the developing cortex. Thus it appears that, once interneurons reach the cortex through one of the spatially confined streams, they adopt a radial trajectory to the final stage of their journey in the CP (Figure 1). The present review examines the molecules involved in the generation and specification of cortical interneurons, and in the mechanisms that regulate their migration.

GENE EXPRESSION AND SPECIFICATION OF INTERNEURON PROGENITORS

The embryonic subpallium or ventral telencephalon is subdivided into the MGE, LGE (lateral ganglionic eminence), CGE and AEP (anterior entopeduncular)/POA domains. Ganglionic eminences appear as a sloping swelling at the telo-diencephalic junction, protruding into the lateral and third ventricles, at the early [E11 (embryonic day 11)] stages of embryonic mouse development. At E12, a second sloping swelling appears; these are respectively called MGE and LGE. The CGE is defined as the posterior region where the LGE and MGE fuse together. As for the AEP/POA domain, it is located in the telencephalic stalk, close to the pallidal domain (Puelles et al., 2000). The sulcus between the eminences begins to disappear at E14–E15 and, by the end of embryonic development, it has receded into the wall of the lateral ventricle. The LGE gives rise to the striatal domain (caudate nucleus and putamen) as well as parts of the septum and amygdala. The MGE gives rise to the globus pallidus and, partly, to the septum, but the CGE is the origin of neurons of the nucleus accumbens, the bed nucleus of the stria terminals, the hippocampus and specific nuclei of the amygdala (Nery et al., 2002).

These subpallial domains express specific genes, such as Dlx1, Dlx2, Gsh1, Mash1, Gsh2, Nkx2.1, Nkx5.1, Isl1, Six3 and Vax1, that define their identities and are involved in the specification of interneurons and oligodendrocytes (reviewed by Marin and Rubenstein, 2003). Dlx homeobox genes are transcription factors that act as critical molecular determinants in forebrain development (Panganiban and Rubenstein, 2002). They are specifically required to co-ordinate the timing of GABAergic interneuron migration and process formation (Anderson et al., 1997; Yun et al., 2002). In double Dlx1 and Dlx2 null mutants, migration is almost abolished and cells accumulate in the ganglionic eminences (Cobos et al., 2005, 2006, 2007). Ectopic expression of DLX has been shown to induce GAD65/67 expression in neuronal progenitors of the cerebral cortex normally committed to a glutamatergic phenotype (Stühmer at al., 2002). Interestingly, Dlx1 single null mutants show no migration defects. Recent studies suggest that DLX factors do not only have a role in migration, but also in cell specification. Thus abnormal dendritic morphology has been reported in subsets of SST- (somatostatin) and CR (calretinin)-expressing interneurons in Dlx1 and Dlx2 double-null mutants (Cobos et al., 2005). Moreover, CR-expressing interneurons are also absent from cortical cultures prepared from these animals.

Another homeobox transcription factor, Nkx 2.1, appears to play a pivotal role during the commitment of interneuron progenitors. In fact, Nkx 2.1 is fundamental for the correct MGE specification (Sussel et al., 1999), whereas LGE development is affected by the expression of Gsh2 (Hsieh-Li et al., 1995). Expression of Pax6 also distinguishes the LGE from the MGE and may contribute to the specification of the former. The AEP/POA territory, adjacent to the MGE, is also specified by Nkx2.1 expression, but, although the expression of common transcription factors indicates that MGE and AEP/POA may share some properties, progenitors arising from these structures appear molecularly distinct (Flames et al., 2007). These results suggest that the ganglionic eminences and AEP/POA are anatomically defined sites characterized by distinct gene expression domains. As such, they give rise to distinct populations of cortical interneurons (Xu et al., 2004; Butt et al. 2005).

Earlier in vitro and in vivo experiments on the origins of interneuron subtypes suggested that they arise from different subpallial progenitor pools (reviewed by Fishell, 2007). More recent in vitro experiments have shown that expression of Nkx2.1 in the MGE is required for the specification of MGE-derived interneurons. Accordingly, primary cultures prepared from cortices of Nkx2.1-null mutants were found to contain no PV- (paravalbumin) or SST-expressing interneurons, but included CR-expressing cells. This suggested that PV and SST subtypes originate primarily within the MGE, whereas CR-expressing interneurons are derived mainly from the CGE (Xu et al., 2004; Butt et al., 2005). NPY- (neuropeptide Y) positive interneurons have also been found to derive from the MGE (Wonders and Anderson, 2006). Moreover, in vivo loss-of-function experiments have confirmed that removal of Nkx2.1 at distinct developmental time points results in a switch of the MGE progenitor fate into LGE- and CGE-derived cells (Anderson et al., 2001). This phenotype has also been observed in conditional mutagenesis experiments using the Olig2 promoter to drive the expression of Cre-recombinase (Butt et al., 2008). Recent in utero transplantation experiments attempted to identify the presence of dorso-ventral genetic patterning in the ganglionic eminences, and indicated the existence of five different domains within the MGE. Specifically, these studies suggested that most SST-positive cortical interneurons originate from progenitors located in the dorsal aspect of the MGE, whereas PV-positive subtypes originate from more ventrally located domains (Flames et al., 2007; Wonders et al., 2008).

Upstream of Nkx2.1, the morphogen Shh (sonic hedgehog) appears to play a critical role in the establishment of Nkx2.1 expression in the MGE (Sussel et al., 1999; Fuccillo et al., 2004) and in the maintenance of its expression during neurogenesis (Xu et al., 2005). Thus, mice carrying mutations in Shh expression within the neural tube fail to express the interneuron fate-determining gene Nkx2.1 in the MGE. This effect was also reproduced by inhibiting SHH signalling in slice cultures (Gulacsi and Anderson, 2006). Downstream of Nkx2.1, the lim-homeodomain transcription factor Lhx6 may be directly activated by Nkx2.1. Lhx6 is expressed by cells from the MGE (Lavdas et al., 1999; Alifragis et al., 2004; Liodis et al., 2007) and, more specifically, it has been detected in all of the MGE-derived Nkx2.1-dependent subpopulations, whereas the CR-expressing subpopulation from the CGE is generally Lhx6 negative (Fogarty et al., 2007). Analysis of animals homozygous for the Lhx6 mutation has shown a similar number of GABA-positive interneurons in the neocortex, but lacking the PV and SST subpopulations (Liodis et al., 2007). It seems, then, that Lhx6 activity is not required for the specification of the GABAergic identity of cortical interneurons, in agreement with an earlier study that utilized RNAi (RNA interference) in dissociated MGE cell cultures (Alifragis et al., 2004), but is necessary for the specification of the Nkx2.1-dependent subgroups. Moreover, electroporation of Nkx2.1 cDNA into the ventral telencephalon of slice cultures prepared from Nkx2.1-null mouse embryos was found to induce Lhx6 expression (Xu et al., 2008).

IDENTIFYING INTERNEURON SUBTYPES IN THE CORTEX

The use of in vivo Cre-lox technology allows one to permanently label interneuron precursor populations with molecular markers of interest. This approach is not only useful to confirm previous in vivo and in vitro data about the existence of various interneuron populations, but also to identify their final positions in the cortex. Cre-mediated recombination fate-mapping, which uses Cre-recombinase driven by different factors such as Lhx6, Nkx2.1 and Nkx6.2, produced results consistent with loss of function and transplantation analyses (Fogarty et al., 2007; Xu et al., 2008). Interestingly, Fogarty et al. (2007) have described a characteristic cell population positive for CR and SST located in the dorsal region of the MGE neuroepithelium and expressing Nkx6.2. In the ventral telencephalon, Nkx6.2 is expressed in a small subset of ventral neural progenitors at the border between the MGE and CGE (Stenman et al., 2003). In particular, these cells are present in deep cortical layers of adult mice and show features characteristic of Martinotti cells; their number is reduced in Nkx6.2-null mice. Instead, the majority of CR cells are generated outside the MGE, possibly within the CGE (Xu et al., 2004; Butt et al., 2005), have a bipolar morphology and reside in the outer layers of the cortex (Sousa et al., 2009).

It has been suggested that interneuron diversity may also arise as a consequence of a temporal change in the fate of progenitor cells (Miyoshi et al., 2007). Moreover, Miyoshi et al. (2007) have fate-mapped distinct cohorts of cells arising from progenitors expressing high levels of the bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) gene Olig2. In the forebrain, Olig2 is expressed in the progenitors of the ventral embryonic eminences, with the highest levels of expression in the MGE Nkx2.1-positive domain. Consistent with previous studies (Butt et al., 2005), it was observed that populations labelled at early developmental time points (E9.5, E10.5) preferentially populate deep cortical layers, whereas cells labelled at later developmental stages (i.e. E15.5) mainly occupy superficial layers. The numbers of SST-positive, CR-negative interneurons fate-mapped at early developmental stages is high, but decrease at later time points and are almost absent from populations at E15.5. In conclusion, CR-positive, SST-negative interneurons and VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide)-positive interneurons, often associated with bipolar morphologies, are mainly observed at E15.5 and found enriched within the superficial layers of cortex.

Previous in utero tracing experiments suggested that the embryonic POA is another source of cortical interneurons. Recent lineage experiments using the Cre/loxP system have shown that Nkx5-1 appears to be transiently expressed by a population of early post-mitotic POA-derived cells. Gelman et al. (2009) have generated a [BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome)] transgenic mouse line that expresses the Cre-recombinase protein under the transcriptional control of Nkx5-1 in order to permanently label cells generated from the POA. It seems that the murine POA is a source of a population of cortical GABAergic interneurons with uniform neurochemical, morphological, and electrophysiological properties. In addition, POA Nkx5-1-derived interneurons frequently express NPY, but not any other common markers of interneurons. Figure 2 provides a pictorial view of the expression patterns of genes in the subpallium, which play key roles in the specification of cortical interneuron subtypes.

EXPRESSION OF NOVEL GENES IN INTERNEURON PROGENITORS

Microarray analyses have also suggested that genes are differentially expressed in the dorso-ventral axis of the MGE. Dorsally enriched MGE genes are most likely downstream effectors of the Gli transcription factor family, part of the SHH signaling pathway (Xu et al., 2005), and transcriptional targets of Nkx6.2. In fact, Gli2, Nkx6.2 and Hhip1 are dorsally MGE-enriched genes, whereas ventrally MGE-enriched genes include sulfatase 1, sulfatase 2, brevican and FoxJ1, as well as Zic1, Zic3 and Lhx7/8 (Wonders et al., 2008).

Long et al. (2009) have analysed the differential expression of transcription factors in the MGE and CGE. Their studies have suggested that Mash1, and Dlx1 and Dlx2 are required to promote expression of several factors in MGE progenitors, including Arx, bMaf, Brn4, Cux2, Dlx1, Dlx2, Dlx5, Dlx6, ER81 (Etv1), Gli1, Lhx6, Lhx7, Pbx1, Peg3, Sox4, Sox11 and Vax1, and non-transcription factors, including CXCR4 (CXC chemokine receptor 4), CXCR7, CyclinD2, GAD67, Gucy1a3, Shb, Tiam2 and Thbs. Dlx1 and Dlx2 null mutants preserve the expression of Nkx2.1, but the expression of Cux2 and Lhx7(8) are clearly reduced. Cux2 is expressed in tangentially migrating interneurons (Cobos et al., 2006) and its function is linked to the development of reelin-expressing interneurons (Cubelos et al., 2008). Lhx7(8) is expressed in the SVZ of the ventral MGE (Flames et al., 2007) and its derivatives in the pallidal and striatal interneurons, where it is required for the expression of the cholinergic phenotype (Zhao et al., 2003; Fragkouli et al., 2005). On the other hand, some transcription factors show increased expression, including ATBF1, Ebf1, ESRG, Fez, FoxP2 and Islet1; this may be secondary to increased notch signalling, as reflected by increased Mash1 and Hes5 expression (Yun et al., 2002). Most interneuron precursors fail to migrate into the cortex in Dlx1 and Dlx2 double null mutants (Cobos et al., 2005) and remain as ectopic cells in the basal ganglia (Marin et al., 2001).

Dlx1 and Dlx2 also have a profound role in promoting differentiation of the dorsal domain of CGE, as exemplified by the reduced expression of Arx, Brn4, Dlx5, Dlx6, ESRG, FoxP4, Meis1, Meis2, Pbx1, Pbx3, Prox1, Six3, Sox4, Sox11, Sp8, Tle4, Tshz1 and Vax1 in null mutants. Several transcription factors continue to be expressed in the CGE of the triple null mutant Dlx1/Dlx2/Mash1, but at lower levels (Gsh1, Islet1, Olig2 and Sp9) and in the MGE (ER81, Islet1, Olig2 and Sp9); in addition, GAD67 expression is weakly maintained. Alterations in migration may be attributed to reduced expression of cytokine receptors (CXCR4 and CXCR7) and the neuregulin receptor, ErbB4. Migration defect may also be due to alterations in Gucy1a3, NP2, Robo2, Shb, Thbs and Tiam2 expression.

In their microarray analysis of cortical interneurons, Batista-Brito et al. (2008) observed the expression of numerous genes, including Cux2, Zfhx1b and Carhsp1, which are likely candidates for regulating the maturation and diversification of these cells. Expression of a number of genes encoding cell-surface proteins, including Neto1, Kitl, Chl1, Dscaml, Ncam and Astn1, have been observed in immature migrating interneurons. Neto1 shares some homology with the neuropilin family of cell-surface-receptor genes, and there are indications that, similar to Nrps (neuropilins), this receptor can bind to class 3 semaphorins (Kolodkin et al., 1997; Michishita et al., 2003). Class 3 semaphorins act as chemotactic signals for Nrps and mediate the directed migration of striatal and cortical interneurons (Marin et al., 2001). The observation that Nxph1, which has a crucial role in both GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses, is specifically enriched in cortical interneuron precursors suggests a potential role in neurotransmitter release at very early stages of cortical development.

A series of genes associated with neurological disorders are also expressed in cortical interneurons. For example, Npas3 and Npas1/3 compound mutants have behavioural deficits associated with mental disorders (Erbel-Sieler et al., 2004). Arx null mice have been implicated in autism and show impairment in interneuron migration (Colombo et al., 2007; Friocourt et al., 2008). Ncam1- and Chl1-encoding cell-surface molecules have been linked to schizophrenia (Irintchev et al., 2004; Atz et al., 2007). Moreover, interneurons in transgenic mice lacking Ncam1 function have compromised synaptic connectivity and exhibit abnormal behaviour (Pillai-Nair et al., 2005). Finally, disruption of genes encoding for channel proteins, such as Cacnb4, are also enriched in cortical interneuron precursors. Disruption of these genes has been associated with neurological disorders.

MOLECULAR MECHANISMS INVOLVED IN INTERNEURON MIGRATION

Motogenic factors

It has been shown in vitro that ganglionic eminence neurons have an astonishing intrinsic migratory capacity (Wichterle et al., 1999; Nery et al., 2002). In addition, a number of soluble factors have been proposed to play a role in cortical interneuron migration by acting as motogenic factors in vivo. One of these molecules, HGF/SF (hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor), was first described as a promoter of cell motility for different cell lines (Birchmeier and Gherardi, 1998; Stella and Comoglio, 1999). Powell et al. (2001) first showed that expression of HGF/SF and its receptor MET are present in the proliferative zones and demarcate the migratory routes of migrating interneurons in the developing forebrain. These authors have also shown that, in slice cultures, HGF/SF enhances the migration of cells away from subpallial area, but exogenous addition of the factor disrupts the migration of interneurons. Moreover, analysis of u-PAR^−/− (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-deficient) mice (where the inactive pro-form of HGF/SF is not cleaved to its active form) revealed a reduction in the number of interneurons in the cortex, exhibited by counting of calbindin-positive cells, but an accumulation of such cells in the corticostriatal sulcus (Powell et al., 2001).

Members of the neurotrophin family have also been proposed as motogenic factors in the migration of interneurons. Thus evidence shows that tyrosine kinase receptors TrkB and TrkC, the cognate receptors for neurotrophins, are expressed in cortical interneurons (Klein et al., 1990; Gorba and Wahle, 1999). Furthermore, neurotrophins are widely expressed in the developing cortex (Maisonpierre et al., 1990; Timmusk et al., 1993; Friedman et al., 1998; Fukumitsu et al., 1998) and have been thought to have a pivotal role in neuronal migration (Behar et al., 1997, 2000; Brunstrom et al., 1997). Polleux et al. (2002) have provided evidence that BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and NT4 (neurotrophin 4) stimulate interneuron migration, and analysis of TrkB-deficient mice revealed a significant reduction in cortical interneuron numbers, suggesting a role for these molecules as mitogenic factors. However, it has been suggested that disruption of BDNF signalling leads to down-regulation of calbindin and other neuropeptides expressed in interneurons (Jones et al., 1994; Arenas et al., 1996; Fiumelli et al., 2000), casting some doubt as to whether the reduction of interneuron numbers in the TrkB^−/− animals reflects an actual defect in migration or simply a reduction of cell markers. It has also been suggested that BDNF signalling, in addition to modulating Reelin expression, regulates the distribution of both Cajal-Retzius cells and interneurons in the MZ and participates in the final phase of interneuron migration within the cerebral cortex (Alcantara et al., 2006). Thus analysis of nestin–BDNF transgenic mice has revealed that over-expression of BDNF leads to an inappropriate integration of interneurons within the CP, as well as segregation of Cajal-Retzius cells and interneurons in the MZ (Alcantara et al., 2006). Another neurotrophin, GDNF (glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor), has also been shown to affect cortical interneurons by stimulating their migration (Pozas and Ibañez, 2005).

Chemotactic molecules

Once interneurons have initiated their migration, guidance systems impart directionality to channel them into appropriate migratory routes. It has been thought that an exquisite co-ordination of chemoattractive and chemorepulsive cues, expressed within the developing brain, allow cortical interneurons to reach the cerebral cortex and avoid subcortical areas (reviewed by Parnavelas, 2000; Marin and Rubenstein, 2003; Métin et al., 2006; Andrews et al., 2007). Thus slice culture assays have revealed that the cerebral cortex indeed provides attractive cues and the subpallial preoptic area produces repulsive factors (Marin et al., 2001, 2003; Polleux et al., 2002; Wichterle et al., 2003).

The chemokine SDF-1 (stromal-derived factor 1; also known as CXCL12) is a well known chemoattractant for leucocytes, germ cells and neurons (Tashiro et al., 1993; Bleul et al., 1996; Lazarini et al., 2000; Klein et al., 2001; Doitsidou et al., 2002; Li et al., 2008; Liapi et al., 2008). SDF-1 is highly expressed in the leptomeninges and the IZ (intermediate zone)/SVZ of the developing cortex (Tham et al., 2001; Zhu et al., 2002; Tiveron et al., 2006). Stumm et al. (2003, 2007) identified the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4; a receptor for SDF-1) in Cajal-Retzus cells and tangentially migrating interneurons within the developing cortex, and showed that SDF-1 serves as a chemoattractant for the latter. Interestingly, these authors also showed that late-generated, but not early-generated, interneurons failed to integrate into their appropriate cortical layers in the absence of SDF-1 signalling (Stumm et al., 2003). Further work indicated that SDF-1 expression by projection neuron progenitors in the SVZ is crucial for the recognition of the IZ/SVZ path of migrating interneurons (Tiveron et al., 2006; Stumm et al., 2007). In addition, Liapi et al. (2008) have provided evidence suggesting that SDF-1 signalling is essential for both radial (projection neurons) and tangential (interneurons) migration within the cortical wall. Moreover, it has been suggested that this chemokine is not required for interneuron migration from the subpallium to the cortex, but it is pivotal to maintain interneurons migrating tangentially within the cortical wall (Stumm et al., 2003; Tiveron et al., 2006; Li et al., 2008; Liapi et al., 2008; López-Bendito et al., 2008).

NGRs (neuregulins), a family of growth factors encoded by four structurally related genes (NRG-1, NRG-2, NRG-3 and NRG-4), have been related to important events in the developing nervous system (Falls, 2003a; Anton et al., 2004; Xu et al., 2009). They are ligands for receptor tyrosine kinases of the ErbB family and activate a wide spectrum of intracellular signalling cascades, resulting in the induction of cellular responses in different organs (Buonanno and Fischbach, 2001; Falls, 2003a, 2003b; Anton et al., 2004; Britsch, 2007; Birchmeier, 2009). Several lines of evidence suggest that NRG-1 acts as a chemoattractant for interneurons (Yau et al., 2003; Flames et al., 2004). First, ErB4 is expressed in tangentially migrating neurons and co-localises with the interneuron marker DLX2 (Yau et al., 2003). Secondly, soluble NGR1-Ig is expressed in the cortical proliferative zones, and has been hypothesized to attract migrating interneurons to the IZ/SVZ path (Flames et al., 2004; Ghashghaei et al., 2006). Thirdly, secreted NGR1 is a potent chemoattractant for MGE-derived cells in vitro (Flames et al., 2004). Fourthly, loss-of-function assays have demonstrated that the migration of cortical interneurons depends on ErB4 signalling, and their number is significantly decreased in conditional ErB4 mutants (Flames et al., 2004).

To date, the chemorepulsive molecules expressed in the preoptic area remain largely unknown. Zhu et al. (1999) suggested that Slit proteins might repel interneurons from the subpallium to the cerebral cortex; their chemorepulsive activity is mediated by members of the Robo (Roundabout) receptor family (Kidd et al., 1998). During brain development, Slit1 is strongly expressed throughout the VZ (ventricular zone) and SVZ of the ganglionic eminences, as well as at the ventral midline and in basal regions of the forebrain (Yuan et al., 1999; Bagri et al., 2002; Marillat et al., 2002; Whitford et al., 2002). Robo receptors (Robo1, Robo2 and Robo3) show distinct, but complementary expression patterns to slit expression (Yuan et al., 1999; Bagri et al., 2002; Marillat et al., 2002; Whitford et al., 2002). Robo1 expression corresponds to subpallial regions through which early born interneurons migrate, and overlaps with their migratory path at the level of IZ/SVZ in the cortex (Andrews et al., 2006, 2007, 2008; Barber et al., 2009). Moreover, it has been shown that Robo1, Robo2 and Robo3 are expressed in cortical interneurons, suggesting that Slit–Robo signalling might play a pivotal role in their migration (Andrews et al., 2006, 2007, 2008; Barber et al., 2009). In support of this notion, it has been reported that secreted Slits from the VZ of the LGE repel ganglionic eminence cells away from the SVZ (Zhu et al., 1999). However, cell tracing studies carried out on slice cultures prepared from Slit1/Slit2 double mutant mice (Slit1^−/−/Slit2^−/−) showed no defects in the tangential migration of interneurons and, furthermore, no differences in the number or distribution of GABAergic interneurons (GABA-, Lhx6- or Dlx2-positive cells) were detected in the cortices of Slit1^−/−/Slit2^−/− mice (Marin et al., 2003). Interestingly, our analysis of two different strains of Robo1-deficient transgenic mice (Robo1^−/−) has shown a perceptible influx of calbindin-labelled cells within the endogenously chemorepulsive striatum (see below), as well as an increased number of such cells, presumably interneurons, within the embryonic cortex (Andrews et al., 2006, 2008). The significant increase of cortical interneurons within the cortex of Robo1^−/− persists until adulthood (Andrews et al., 2008). Moreover, detailed analysis of Robo1-, Robo2- and Robo3-deficient transgenic mice (Robo1^−/−, Robo2^−/− and Robo3^−/−) showed marked alterations in the morphology of these cells (Andrews et al., 2006, 2008; Barber et al., 2009).

Another group of chemorepulsive cues for cortical interneurons is the membrane-bound ephrin family and their Eph-receptor tyrosine kinases (Eph). The ephrin/Eph signalling system has been related to a vast number of events in the developing brain (Klein, 2004). Experimental evidence has revealed that ephrins can direct migration and enhance the motility of neurons in vitro and in vivo (Santiago and Erickson, 2002; Nomura et al., 2006; Zimmer et al., 2007). Zimmer et al. (2008) have recently reported that calbindin-positive cells isolated from the MGE expressed the EphA4 receptor. In addition, they showed that ephrinA5 and its receptor EphA4 are complementarily expressed in the VZ and SVZ of the ganglionic eminences respectively (Zimmer et al., 2008). In vitro stripe assays demonstrated that ephrinA5 is a potent chemorepellent for MGE-derived neurons (Zimmer et al, 2008). Taken together, these results suggest that ephrinA5/EphA4 signalling may contribute to the channelling of cortical interneurons to the migratory path that runs deep to the striatum (see below).

Several lines of evidence suggest that neurotransmitters such as GABA have an active role in controlling the migration of cortical neurons, including interneurons (Behar et al., 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000; Manent et al., 2006; Heng et al., 2007). First, chemotaxis and pharmacological experiments in vitro have demonstrated that cortical neurons respond to GABA in a concentration-dependent manner (Behar et al., 1996) Thus a low concentration of GABA promotes cell migration, whereas higher concentrations induce random movements (Behar et al., 1996). Secondly, disruption of the activity of GABARs (GABA receptors) leads to alterations in the migratory dynamics of cortical neurons in vitro (Behar et al., 1996, 1998). Thirdly, GABA expression is present in the migratory path of cortical interneurons and, furthermore, these cells express GABA receptors (López-Bendito et al., 2003; Morante-Oria et al., 2003; Cuzon et al., 2006). Fourthly, transplantation studies revealed that the type A GABAR (GABA_AR) signalling is necessary for interneurons to traverse the cortical-striatal notch en route to the cortex (Cuzon et al., 2006). Finally, type B GABAR (GABA_BR) signalling is required for the correct navigation of interneurons within the developing cortex (López-Bendito et al., 2003). A number of investigators have also shown that GluRs (glutamate receptors), such as NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate), kinate and AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid), are expressed in cortical interneurons, and are thought to participate in the migration of cortical interneurons, possibly through an increase in intracellular calcium (Métin et al., 2000; Poluch et al., 2001; Soria and Valdeomillos, 2002). A recent investigation indicates that GABA, in addition to promoting interneuron migration, plays a role in the cessation of their movement (Bortone and Polleux, 2009). Specifically, Bortone and Polleux (2009) showed that interneurons up-regulate the potassium-chloride co-transporter, KCC2, after reaching the cortex. Up-regulation of KCC2 was observed to reduce the motility of interneurons through the activation of GABA receptors and the diminution of the membrane potential, which resulted in reduced intracellular calcium.

5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine; also known as serotonin) is another neurotransmitter that is thought to affect cortical interneuron migration (Vitalis et al., 2007; Riccio et al., 2009). Pharmacological treatments of rodent embryos, using the specific inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis, PCPA (dl-p-chlorophenylalanine), have revealed alterations in the cytoarchitecture of the cerebral cortex (Vitalis et al., 2007). Interestingly, 5-HT depletion resulted in altered incorporation of cortical interneurons to the CP and compromised the differentiation of interneuron subpopulations expressing CR and/or cholecystokinin (Vitalis et al., 2007). Recent work by Riccio et al. (2009) suggests that 5-HT, through the activation of 5-HT6 receptors (expressed by cortical interneurons), reduces the migration of interneurons in the developing brain.

Channelling cortical interneurons to their proper migratory paths

Interneurons en route to the cerebral cortex from the ganglionic eminence encounter the developing striatum and avoid entering into it. It is thought that repulsive cues expressed within the developing striatum create an exclusion zone for cortical interneurons and participate in channelling them into appropriate adjacent paths (Marin et al., 2001; Métin et al., 2006). The molecules involved in maintaining cortical interneurons away from the striatum are thought to be Sema3A and Sema3F, members of the family of class 3 semaphorins, which are key regulators of a number of processes in the developing nervous system (Neufeld and Kessler, 2008; Roth et al., 2009). Semaphorin signalling is mediated by Nrp and Plexin receptors (Neufeld and Kessler, 2008; Roth et al., 2009), and in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that cortical interneurons express Nrp1 and Nrp2 receptors and respond to the chemorepulsive activity of Sema3A and Sema3F expressed in the developing striatum (Marin et al., 2001). These authors also showed that loss of Nrp function leads to an increased number of interneurons within the striatum, suggesting that semaphorin signalling is crucial to maintaining the striatum clear of cortical interneurons, in addition to channeling these cells in the appropriate migratory paths (Marin et al., 2001). Recent analysis of postnatal Nrp2-deficient mice (Nrp2^−/−) also showed a significant reduction of interneurons in the hippocampus compared with control animals (Gant et al., 2009).

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Cortical interneuron types generated in the subpallium arrive in the cortex after a long and tortuous journey, disperse in all areas and all cortical layers where they assemble with their pyramidal counterparts into functional neuronal circuits, and contribute to a precise balance of synaptic excitation and inhibition in the cortex. Disruption of this balance is thought to result in neuropathological conditions, especially epilepsy (Sloviter, 1987; Cobos et al., 2005; Kumar and Buckmaster, 2006). In addition to epilepsy, a number of other neurological disorders in humans have been attributed to abnormalities in cortical GABAergic function (Baulac et al., 2001; Harkin et al., 2002; Francis et al., 2006; Friocourt et al., 2006; Friocourt and Parnavelas, 2010). Thus understanding the molecular mechanisms that control the generation, specification and migration of interneurons, and the roles these cells play in cortical function, is of significant clinical relevance and therapeutic importance.

Funding

Our work was supported by the Wellcome Trust [Programme Grant number 074549 (to J.G.P.)].

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Received 30 November 2009/4 March 2010; accepted 5 March 2010

Published as ASN NEURO Immediate Publication 5 March 2010, doi:10.1042/AN20090053

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©2010 The Author(s) This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Licence ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ ) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.