In mammalian neocortex, opposing Krüppel-like factor (KLF) transcription factors first activate and then repress a genetic program related to axon outgrowth, potentially contributing to loss of cortical axon outgrowth in the adult.
Genetic lineage tracing and live-cell imaging demonstrate that NeuroD1 does not convert microglia into neurons but instead promotes microglial apoptosis, challenging claims of in situ glia-to-neuron conversion.
Carrying 'teaching' signals and modulating movement, two highly conserved functions of the dopaminergic system across all animals, are brought about by the same individual dopaminergic neurons in an insect larva.