T-brain-1: a homolog of Brachyury whose expression defines molecularly distinct domains within the cerebral cortex

The mechanisms that regulate regional specification and evolution of the cerebral cortex are obscure. To this end, we have identified and characterized a novel murine and human gene encoding a putative transcription factor related to the Brachyury (T) gene that is expressed only in postmitotic cells. T-brain-1 (Tbr-1) mRNA is largely restricted to the cerebral cortex, where during embryogenesis it distinguishes domains that we propose may give rise to paleocortex, limbic cortex, and neocortex. Tbr-1 and Id-2 expression in the neocortex have discontinuities that define molecularly distinct neocortical areas. Tbr-1 expression is analyzed in the context of the prosomeric model. Topological maps are proposed for the organization of the dorsal telencephalon.

Psychopharmacology of depression in children and adolescents

Although much debate continues about the prevalence of depressive disorders in prepubertal children, depression clearly is common in adolescents, increasing rapidly throughout the teen years. All physicians who work with young patients must to be able to recognize and treat these disorders. This article provides a brief overview of depressive disorders in children and adolescence, including their clinical presentation, prevalence, etiology, course, and prognosis. Psychopharmacological treatment options are reviewed in detail, including practical information for medication management including patient education, making the decision to treat with medication, selection of specific medications, strategies for nonresponsive patients, and decisions about stopping medication.