Thread

1. bethekind · 1789798775 · focus · HN ↗

   > They identified two different brain progenitor cells. One, which expresses a gene called Otx2, is destined to become the forebrain and midbrain. The other, which expresses a gene called Gbx2, is committed to forming the hindbrain. They showed that these two cell populations never overlap; they are mutually exclusive from the earliest stages of development.

   Very cool. Never thought the brain could have two completely different ancestors

   1. avadodin · 1789808400 · focus · HN ↗

      Why would it be surprising?

      All parts of the body are built like this. Otherwise we would be blobs.

      Before becoming two parts they probably were part of the same parent protobrain tissue.

      If you told me the hindbrain was ectoderm-derived but the forebrain was endoderm-derived, I might raise an eyebrow or two.

      1. mcherm · 1789811110 · focus · HN ↗

         > All parts of the body are built like this.

         Please name one other organ that arises from two separate progenitor cell types. If this is common, I have never heard of it.

         1. MarkusQ · 1789826463 · focus · HN ↗

            Well, your heart contains both mesoderm derived cells (enervation) and ectoderm derived cells (musculature).
         2. pixl97 · 1789860433 · focus · HN ↗

            Bones, guts, many glands, kidneys.

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