Sensory input, sex and function shape hypothalamic cell type development

We examined the developmental trajectories of neuronal populations in the hypothalamic preoptic region, where cell types with key roles in physiological and behavioural control have been identified. We uncovered a high diversity of developmental trajectories shaped by the sex of the animal, and the location and behavioural or physiological function of the corresponding cell types and identified a major role for vomeronasal sensing in the timing of preoptic cell type maturation.