Abstract
The mammalian cortex develops from stem cells that divide to sequentially produce the six cortical layers, starting with the deepest layers. However, each layer contains numerous neuronal types. Using a simple model (the Drosophila visual system), we will show how desynchronization between the cell divisions of neuronal stem cells and their temporal progression gives rise to stochastic production of a wide variety of neurons, and how this concept can be applied to neurogenesis of the mammalian cortex or retina.
