Molecular mechanisms of early neurogenesis in vertebrates

Recent studies revealed a great variety of genes which control the early development of the central nervous system in vertebrates, including neural induction and differentiation of primary neurons. Most of these genes were first identified in Drosophila melanogaster, then their structural and functional homologs were found in vertebrates. Modern data on the molecular-genetic mechanisms of vertebrate neurogenesis are reviewed. The neurogenetic mechanisms are compared for vertebrates and invertebrates. Widely discussed hypotheses are considered along with the commonly accepted mechanisms.