Differential requirements for neurogenin 3 in the development of POMC and NPY neurons in the hypothalamus

► We studied the role of Ngn3 in the development of mouse ventral hypothalamic neurons. ► Ngn3+ neural progenitors contribute to NPY+, POMC+, SF1+ and TH+ neuronal populations. ► Reduced and increase numbers of POMC+ and NPY+ neurons respectively in Ngn3-/- embryos. ► No change in proneural gene expression or total cell number in Ngn3-/- embryos. ► Ngn3 plays a central role in the generation of neurons controlling energy balance.