Developmental Neuroendocrinology

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.

Susan Wray received her B.A. from Middlebury College and her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. She joined Dr. Harold Gainer's laboratory at the NICHD, NIH for her postdoctoral research, and in 1995 established her own section, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, at the NINDS, NIH. Her research focuses on the development and regulation of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, identifying their origin in the nasal placode and subsequent migration into the forebrain. Her work has bridged developmental issues including cell lineage, neuronal migration and craniofacial development with physiological issues such as functional GnRH neuronal subpopulations, the mechanisms regulating pulsatile secretion of GnRH, and causes of reproductive dysfunction.

Seth Blackshaw received his B.A. and M.S. in Biochemistry in 1991 and his PhD in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1997, working with Solomon Snyder.  He pursued postdoctoral research with Connie Cepko at Harvard Medical School, and in 2004 rejoined the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he is now a Professor of Neuroscience.  His research has focused on the regulation of cell fate specification and neuronal regeneration in the retina and hypothalamus, hypothalamic regulation of innate behaviors, and the development of new tools for functional genomics and proteomics.