Summary of the science
The nervous system is made up of many cells called neurons of which there are many different types. For cells to develop into the correct neuronal type, a specific set of genes must be switched on. The Hobert Lab investigates how such genes are switched on and what genes are involved in determining what type of nerve cell cells will become.
The homeobox gene family are a group of genes that are active in the early stages of embryonic development and regulate large-scale anatomical features. They also play a pivotal role in determining neuronal cell type.
About the research
The Hobert Lab aims to understand how the complexity and diversity of an animal's nervous system can be specified at the gene level, using C. elegans as a model system (though they have established principles that are applicable to other chordates). More specifically, they are investigating how gene expression regulation can result in different neuronal identities. They have found that co-regulation of a set of genes (known as a gene battery) is an important feature of the determination of neuronal identity, with the homeobox gene family being particularly important.
About the illustration
We wanted to establish the link between the expression of homeobox genes and neuronal identity so the illustration is kept simple with an emphasis of colour. The bright dots show where the neurons are and the similarity of colour to the homeobox genes give a sense of connection between the two systems. The linkage of the different homeobox genes also highlight the idea of co-regulation of genes.