Neurogenin2

Neurogenin-2, also known as NEUROG2, is a member of the neurogenin family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors that regulate neural development in vertebrates. It functions as a proneural gene, promoting the differentiation of neural progenitor cells into neurons and helping to shape the timing of neurogenesis.

During embryonic development, Neurog2 is expressed in neural progenitors across several regions, including parts of the developing cortex and other brain areas. It drives neuronal differentiation and can influence the balance between progenitor proliferation and neuronal production. Neurog2 operates within a broader transcriptional network that includes other basic helix-loop-helix factors, such as NeuroD family members and ASCL1, and interacts with Notch signaling to fine-tune neurogenesis. Through these interactions, Neurog2 contributes to the generation of specific neuronal subtypes and to the establishment of functional neural circuits.

Genetic and developmental studies show that altering Neurog2 activity can shift the timing and extent of neuron formation and impact regional neuronal specification. The gene is evolutionarily conserved across vertebrates, underscoring its fundamental role in neurogenesis. In research contexts, Neurog2 serves as a marker of early neuronal differentiation and as a tool for dissecting the molecular mechanisms that drive neural development.