Epigenetics: major regulators of embryonic neurogenesis

Mammalian cortical development is a dynamically and strictly regulated process orchestrated by extracellular signals and intracellular mechanisms. Recent studies show that epigenetic regulation serves as, at least in part, interfaces between genes and the environment, and also provides insight into the molecular and cellular bases of early embryonic cortical development. It is becoming increasingly clear that epigenetic regulation of cortical development occurs at multiple levels and that comprehensive knowledge of this complex regulatory landscape is essential to delineating embryonic neurogenesis.