Sabharwal P, Lee C, Park S, Rao M, Sockanathan S. Neuron. 2011,;71:1058-70. GDE2 Regulates Subtype-Specific Motor Neuron Generation through Inhibition of Notch Signaling. 

Sabharwal et al. show that the six-transmembrane protein GDE2 directs the generation of select motor neuron subtypes, by downregulating Notch signaling in neighboring motor neuron progenitors via extracellular glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase activity. This illustration depicts a variety of power cords gripped by a fist, symbolizing the diversity of motor neurons that are necessary for wiring motor circuits to ensure coordinated motor function. Image by Zachary T. Bitzer.