Page last updated: 2024-10-24

thalamus development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which the thalamus changes over time, from its initial formation to its mature state. [GO_REF:0000021, GOC:cls, GOC:dgh, GOC:dph, GOC:jid]

The thalamus, a crucial relay center in the brain, undergoes a complex developmental journey that begins early in embryonic life and continues well into adolescence. The process involves a coordinated interplay of genetic and molecular cues, shaping the thalamus into a highly organized structure capable of mediating sensory information flow and contributing to higher cognitive functions.

The journey begins with the formation of the neural tube, the precursor to the central nervous system. Within the neural tube, a specific region known as the diencephalon gives rise to the thalamus. Proliferation of neural progenitors, driven by intricate signaling pathways like Shh (Sonic Hedgehog) and Wnt, forms a primordial thalamus.

As development progresses, distinct nuclei within the thalamus begin to emerge. This nuclear differentiation is guided by the expression of specific transcription factors, such as Pax6 and Tlx3, which control the development of different thalamic regions. Each nucleus is destined to receive input from specific sensory organs and relay this information to corresponding cortical areas.

A crucial step in thalamus development is the formation of thalamocortical connections, the pathways that link the thalamus to the cerebral cortex. These connections are established through a process of axon guidance, where axons from thalamic neurons navigate through complex landscapes to reach their designated cortical targets. Molecular cues, including Netrins, Slits, and Semaphorins, play critical roles in guiding these axons.

The establishment of thalamocortical connections is essential for sensory perception and cognitive function. Sensory information from the periphery is relayed to the thalamus, processed, and then transmitted to the appropriate cortical regions, enabling us to perceive our environment and interact with it effectively.

Thalamus development continues well into adolescence, with ongoing refinement of neuronal circuits and synaptic connections. This maturation process is influenced by experience, allowing the thalamus to adapt and optimize its function throughout life.

Disruptions in thalamus development can lead to a range of neurological disorders, highlighting the critical role of this structure in brain function. Understanding the intricacies of thalamus development is crucial for gaining insights into these disorders and developing effective therapies.'
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Proteins (3)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Smoothened homologA protein smoothened that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q99835]Homo sapiens (human)
Sonic hedgehog proteinA sonic hedgehog protein that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q15465]Homo sapiens (human)
3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 1A 3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P18405]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (28)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
jervinejervine: teratogen from Veratrum grandiflorum; RN given refers to parent cpd(3beta,23beta)-isomer; structurepiperidines
finasteridefinasteride : An aza-steroid that is a synthetic drug for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Finasteride: An orally active 3-OXO-5-ALPHA-STEROID 4-DEHYDROGENASE inhibitor. It is used as a surgical alternative for treatment of benign PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA.
3-oxo steroid;
aza-steroid;
delta-lactam
androgen antagonist;
antihyperplasia drug;
EC 1.3.1.22 [3-oxo-5alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase (NADP(+))] inhibitor
epristerideepristeride: structure given in first sourcesteroid acid
fce 28260(22RS-N-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-phenylprop-2-yl)-3-oxo-4-aza-5alpha-androst-1-ene-17beta-carboxamide: structure given in first source
ly 300502
cyclopaminepiperidinesglioma-associated oncogene inhibitor
pd 173955PD 173955: inhibits src family-selective tyrosine kinase; structure in first sourcearyl sulfide;
dichlorobenzene;
methyl sulfide;
pyridopyrimidine
tyrosine kinase inhibitor
purmorphaminepurmorphamine : A member of the class of purines that is purine substituted at C-2 by a 1-naphthyloxy group, at C-4 by a 4-morpholinophenylamino group, and at N-9 by a cyclohexyl group.

purmorphamine: structure in first source
aromatic ether;
morpholines;
purines;
secondary amino compound
osteogenesis regulator;
SMO receptor agonist
17-n,n-diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-azaandrostane-3-one17-N,N-diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-azaandrostane-3-one: inhibitor of testosterone 5-alpha reductase, receptor binding & nuclear uptake of androgens in the prostate
dutasteridedutasteride : An aza-steroid that is inasteride in which the tert-butyl group is replaced by a 2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group. A synthetic 4-azasteroid, dutasteride is a selective inhibitor of both the type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5alpha-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Dutasteride is used for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate gland.

Dutasteride: A 5-ALPHA-REDUCTASE INHIBITOR that is reported to inhibit both type-1 and type2 isoforms of the enzyme and is used to treat BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA.
(trifluoromethyl)benzenes;
aza-steroid;
delta-lactam
antihyperplasia drug;
EC 1.3.1.22 [3-oxo-5alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase (NADP(+))] inhibitor
cur 61414CUR 61414: inhibits the hedehog signaling pathway; structure in first source
abt 869aromatic amine;
indazoles;
phenylureas
angiogenesis inhibitor;
antineoplastic agent;
EC 2.7.10.1 (receptor protein-tyrosine kinase) inhibitor
lde225sonidegib : A member of the classo of biphenyls that is the amide obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of 2-methyl-4'-(trifluoromethoxy)[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-carboxylic acid with the amino group of 6-(2,6-dimethylmorpholin-4-yl)pyridin-3-amine. Used (as its phosphate salt) for treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma.

sonidegib: specific Smoothened/Smo antagonist
aminopyridine;
aromatic ether;
benzamides;
biphenyls;
morpholines;
organofluorine compound;
tertiary amino compound
antineoplastic agent;
Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor;
SMO receptor antagonist
gdc 0449HhAntag691: inhibits the hedgehog pathway and ABC transporters; has antineoplastic activitybenzamides;
monochlorobenzenes;
pyridines;
sulfone
antineoplastic agent;
Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor;
SMO receptor antagonist;
teratogenic agent
N-[[3-fluoro-4-[[2-(1-methyl-4-imidazolyl)-7-thieno[3,2-b]pyridinyl]oxy]anilino]-sulfanylidenemethyl]-2-phenylacetamidethioureas
ipi-926IPI-926: a semisynthetic derivative of cyclopamine that is a smoothened inhibitor with antineoplastic activity; structure in first sourcepiperidines
robotnikininrobotnikinin: binds sonic hedgehog protein to block its signaling pathway; structure in first source
gsk 1363089GSK 1363089: a multikinase inhibitor that acts on Met, RON, Axl, and VEGFR; structure in first sourcearomatic ether
tak-441TAK-441: structure in first source
5-(2,5-difluorophenyl)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-furancarboxamidearomatic amide;
furans
5-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)-N-(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-furancarboxamidearomatic amide;
furans
5-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)-N-[2,6-di(propan-2-yl)phenyl]-2-furancarboxamidearomatic amide;
furans
5-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-2-furancarboxamidearomatic amide;
furans
N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-5-(4-methyl-3-thiophenyl)-2-furancarboxamidearomatic amide;
furans
ly2940680
3-(2,6-dichloro-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(6-(4-(4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)-phenylamino)pyrimidin-4-yl)-1-methylureaBGJ-398 : A member of the class of phenylureas that is urea in which a hydrogen attached to one of the nitrogens is replaced by a 2,6-dichloro-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl group, while the hydrogens attached to the other nitrogen are replaced by a methyl group and a 6-{[4-(4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl]amino}pyrimidin-4-yl group. It is a potent and selective fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor.

infigratinib: structure in first source
aminopyrimidine;
dichlorobenzene;
N-alkylpiperazine;
N-arylpiperazine;
phenylureas
antineoplastic agent;
fibroblast growth factor receptor antagonist
cep-32496agerafenib: inhibitor of RAF family kinases; structure in first source
pf-52748571-(4-(5'-chloro-3,5-dimethyl-2,4'-bipyridin-2'-yl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-(methylsulfonyl)propan-1-one: a potent and selective Smoothened antagonist that penetrates the blood-brain barrier; structure in first source