Part I. Molecular Specification of Hypothalamic/Pituitary Cells -- Development of the Neuroendocrine Hypothalamus -- Sonic hedgehog in Hypothalamus Development -- Development of the Hypothalamus in Xenopus laevis -- Gene Regulatory Programs in the Development of Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus Neurons -- Winding the Clock: Development of Hypothalamic Structures Controlling Biological Timing and Sleep -- Pituitary Development and Organogenesis: Transcription Factors in Development and Disease -- Part II. Developmental Modulators and Epigenetic Factors -- Hypothalamic Development: Role of GABA -- Epigenetic and Transcriptional Regulation of the Reproductive Hypothalamus -- Epigenetic Regulation of the GnRH and Kiss1 Genes: Developmental Perspectives -- Imprinted Genes and Hypothalamic Function -- Rhythmic Epigenetics in Neuroendocrine and Immune Systems -- Part III. Development of Neuroendocrine Circuits -- Development of Limbic System Stress-Threat Circuitry -- Organization and Postnatal Development of Visceral Sensory Inputs to the Neuroendocrine Hypothalamus -- Astrocytes and Development of Neuroendocrine Circuits -- Origins of Sex Differentiation of Brain and Behavior -- Development and Modulation of Female Reproductive Function by Circadian Signals.

In this book, experts in the field discuss the latest research in developmental neuroendocrinology. Given that the hypothalamus is the center of neuroendocrine activity, the reader will learn about the molecular specification of hypothalamic cells, developmental modulators and epigenetic factors influencing hypothalamic development, and the development of neuroendocrine circuits. Each chapter provides a concise review of the current and future perspectives in developmental neuroendocrinology. Important insights into state-of-the-art techniques applied to functional circuit tracking, lineage tracing of hypothalamic cells, and the identification of genes altered through epigenetic mechanisms are also provided. Given its scope, the book will appeal to all students and researchers who are eager to understand the processes involved in hypothalamus development and the establishment of neuroendocrine circuits. This is the ninth volume in the International Neuroendocrine Federation (INF) Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology series* that aims to illustrate highest standards and encourage the use of the latest technologies in basic and clinical research and hopes to provide inspiration for further exploration into the exciting field of neuroendocrinology. *Volumes 1-7 published by Wiley.