Scientists discover distinct embryonic origins for forebrain and hindbrain

In a paper released Friday in Nature Neuroscience, scientists demonstrated that the anterior and posterior regions of the brain originate from distinct progenitor cells during early embryonic development. By examining mouse embryos, they found that cells expressing the gene Otx2 give rise to the forebrain and midbrain, while cells marked by Gbx2 develop into the hindbrain, with no overlap between the two groups. Chromatin profiling showed each cell type adopts a separate epigenetic configuration, committing them to different developmental trajectories.

Leveraging this knowledge, the researchers successfully differentiated human pluripotent stem cells into functional hindbrain motor neurons, which exhibited electrical activity and region-specific proteins. The findings also traced a similar bifurcated pattern in species such as chickens, zebrafish, and acorn worms, hinting at an ancient evolutionary origin. This new ability to grow hindbrain neurons promises improved models for investigating spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other brain-stem disorders.