Main description:

In this book, experts in the field discuss the latest research in developmental neuroendocrinology.

Given that the hypothalamus is the center of neuroendocrine activity, the reader will learn about the molecular specification of hypothalamic cells, developmental modulators and epigenetic factors influencing hypothalamic development, and the development of neuroendocrine circuits. Each chapter provides a concise review of the current and future perspectives in developmental neuroendocrinology. Important insights into state-of-the-art techniques applied to functional circuit tracking, lineage tracing of hypothalamic cells, and the identification of genes altered through epigenetic mechanisms are also provided.

Given its scope, the book will appeal to all students and researchers who are eager to understand the processes involved in hypothalamus development and the establishment of neuroendocrine circuits.

This is the ninth volume in the International Neuroendocrine Federation (INF) Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology series* that aims to illustrate highest standards and encourage the use of the latest technologies in basic and clinical research and hopes to provide inspiration for further exploration into the exciting field of neuroendocrinology.

*Volumes 1-7 published by Wiley.

Contents:

PART I Molecular Specification of Hypothalamic/Pituitary Cells

Chapter 1: M Placzek, T Fu, M Towers: Development of the neuroendocrine hypothalamus

Chapter 2: G Alvarez-Bolado: Sonic hedgehog in hypothalamus development

Chapter 3: N Moreno, A Gonzalez: Development of the Xenopus hypothalamus

Chapter 4: J Lee, C Huisman, S Lee: Gene regulatory network for specification of hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons.

Chapter 5: DWT Kim, S Blackshaw: Winding the clock: development of hypothalamic structures controlling biological timing and sleep.

Chapter 6: AZ Daly, S Camper: Pituitary Development and Organogenesis: Transcription factors in development and disease

PART II Developmental Modulators and epigenetic factors

Chapter 7: S Tobet, M Stratton: Hypothalamic development: role of GABA

Chapter 8: CF Aylwin A Lomniczi: Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of the reproductive hypothalamus

Chapter 9: E Terasawa and JP Kurian: Epigenetic Regulation of the GnRH and Kiss1 genes: Developmental Perspectives

Chapter 10: M Pulix, A Plagge: Imprinted genes and hypothalamic function.

Chaper 11: CS Coyle, E Tolla, TJ Stevenson: Rhythmic epigenetics in neuroendocrine and immune systems

PART III Development of Neuroendocrine Circuits

Chapter 12: NS Canteras, D Lin, J Corbin: Development of limbic system stress-regulatory circuitry

Chapter 13: L Rinaman: Organization and Postnatal Development of Visceral Sensory Inputs to the Neuroendocrine Hypothalamus

Chapter 14: LL DonCarlos, JA Chowen: Astrocytes and development of neuroendocrine circuits

Chapter 15: MM McCarthy: Origins of Sex Differentiation of Brain and Behavior

Chapter 16: N Gottlieb, J Moeller, LJ Kriegsfeld: Development and Modulation of Female Reproductive Function by Circadian Signals