AI Summary
Munguba and Nikouei et al. discovered that the subtype identities of somatostatin-expressing interneurons in the cortex are determined before they become integrated into the network. These cells use Sox6 protein to preserve their identity during migration. Once integrated, this mechanism is no longer necessary.
Munguba and Nikouei et al. show that the subtype identities of cortical interneurons expressing somatostatin are specified prior to network integration. The cells rely on the DNA-binding protein Sox6 to maintain their identity as they migrate to their network. Once integrated, this maintenance mechanism is no longer required.