Clonal analysis reveals laminar fate multipotency and daughter cell apoptosis of mouse cortical intermediate progenitors

In developing cerebral cortex, most pyramidal-projection neurons are produced by intermediate progenitors (IPs), derived in turn from radial glial progenitors. Although IPs produce neurons for all cortical layers, it is unknown whether individual IPs produce multiple or single laminar fates, and the potential of IPs for extended proliferation remains uncertain. Previously, we found that, at the population level, early IPs (present during lower-layer neurogenesis) produce lower- and upper-layer neurons, whereas late IPs produce upper-layer neurons only. Here, we employed mosaic analysis with double markers (MADM) in mice to sparsely label early IP clones. Most early IPs produced 1-2 neurons for deep layers only. Less frequently, early IPs produced larger clones (up to 12 neurons) spanning lower and upper layers, or upper layers only. The majority of IP-derived clones (∼66%) were associated with asymmetric cell death after the first division. These data demonstrate that laminar fate is not predetermined, at least in some IPs. Rather, the heterogeneous sizes and laminar fates of early IP clones are correlated with cell division/death/differentiation choices and neuron birthdays, respectively.

The Epigenetic Factor Landscape of Developing Neocortex Is Regulated by Transcription Factors Pax6→ Tbr2→ Tbr1

Epigenetic factors (EFs) regulate multiple aspects of cerebral cortex development, including proliferation, differentiation, laminar fate, and regional identity. The same neurodevelopmental processes are also regulated by transcription factors (TFs), notably the Pax6→ Tbr2→ Tbr1 cascade expressed sequentially in radial glial progenitors (RGPs), intermediate progenitors, and postmitotic projection neurons, respectively. Here, we studied the EF landscape and its regulation in embryonic mouse neocortex. Microarray and in situ hybridization assays revealed that many EF genes are expressed in specific cortical cell types, such as intermediate progenitors, or in rostrocaudal gradients. Furthermore, many EF genes are directly bound and transcriptionally regulated by Pax6, Tbr2, or Tbr1, as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing and gene expression analysis of TF mutant cortices. Our analysis demonstrated that Pax6, Tbr2, and Tbr1 form a direct feedforward genetic cascade, with direct feedback repression. Results also revealed that each TF regulates multiple EF genes that control DNA methylation, histone marks, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA. For example, Tbr1 activates Rybp and Auts2 to promote the formation of non-canonical Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1). Also, Pax6, Tbr2, and Tbr1 collectively drive massive changes in the subunit isoform composition of BAF chromatin remodeling complexes during differentiation: for example, a novel switch from Bcl7c (Baf40c) to Bcl7a (Baf40a), the latter directly activated by Tbr2. Of 11 subunits predominantly in neuronal BAF, 7 were transcriptionally activated by Pax6, Tbr2, or Tbr1. Using EFs, Pax6→ Tbr2→ Tbr1 effect persistent changes of gene expression in cell lineages, to propagate features such as regional and laminar identity from progenitors to neurons.

Congenital Zika virus infection as a silent pathology with loss of neurogenic output in the fetal brain

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus with teratogenic effects on fetal brain, but the spectrum of ZIKV-induced brain injury is unknown, particularly when ultrasound imaging is normal. In a pregnant pigtail macaque (Macaca nemestrina) model of ZIKV infection, we demonstrate that ZIKV-induced injury to fetal brain is substantial, even in the absence of microcephaly, and may be challenging to detect in a clinical setting. A common and subtle injury pattern was identified, including (i) periventricular T2-hyperintense foci and loss of fetal noncortical brain volume, (ii) injury to the ependymal epithelium with underlying gliosis and (iii) loss of late fetal neuronal progenitor cells in the subventricular zone (temporal cortex) and subgranular zone (dentate gyrus, hippocampus) with dysmorphic granule neuron patterning. Attenuation of fetal neurogenic output demonstrates potentially considerable teratogenic effects of congenital ZIKV infection even without microcephaly. Our findings suggest that all children exposed to ZIKV in utero should receive long-term monitoring for neurocognitive deficits, regardless of head size at birth.

Neocortical Sox9+ radial glia generate glutamatergic neurons for all layers, but lack discernible evidence of early laminar fate restriction

Glutamatergic neurons in the cerebral cortex are derived from embryonic neural stem cells known as radial glial progenitors (RGPs). Early RGPs, present at the onset of cortical neurogenesis, are classically thought to produce columnar clones of glutamatergic neurons spanning the cortical layers. Recently, however, it has been reported that a subset of early RGPs may undergo early commitment to upper layer neuron fates, thus bypassing genesis of deep layer neurons. However, the latter mode of early RGP differentiation was not confirmed in some other studies, and remains controversial. To further investigate the clonal output from early RGPs, we employed genetic lineage tracing driven by Sox9, a transcription factor gene that is expressed in all early RGPs. We found that early RGPs produced columnar clones spanning all cortical layers, with no evidence of significant laminar fate restriction. These data support the classic progressive restriction model of cortical neurogenesis, and suggest that early RGPs do not undergo early commitment to only upper or lower layer fates.

A dual-fluorescence reporter in the Eomes locus for live imaging and medium-term lineage tracing

The T-box transcription factor Eomes (also known as Tbr2) shows short-lived expression in various localized domains of the embryo, including epiblast cells during gastrulation and intermediate progenitor cells in the cerebral cortex. In these tissues Eomes fulfills crucial roles for lineage specification of progenitors. To directly observe Eomes-dependent cell lineages in the living embryo, we generated a novel dual-fluorescence reporter allele that expresses a membrane-bound tdTomato protein for investigation of cell morphology and a nuclear GFP for cell tracing. This allele recapitulates endogenous EOMES protein expression and is suitable for live imaging. We found that the allele can also be used as a short-to-medium-term lineage tracer, as GFP persists in cells longer than EOMES protein and marks Eomes-dependent lineages with a timeframe of days to weeks depending on the proliferation rate. In summary, we present a novel genetic tool for investigation of Eomes-dependent cell types by live imaging and lineage tracing.

Association of MTOR Mutations With Developmental Brain Disorders, Including Megalencephaly, Focal Cortical Dysplasia, and Pigmentary Mosaicism

IMPORTANCE

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), hemimegalencephaly, and megalencephaly constitute a spectrum of malformations of cortical development with shared neuropathologic features. These disorders are associated with significant childhood morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the underlying molecular cause of FCD, hemimegalencephaly, and diffuse megalencephaly.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients with FCD, hemimegalencephaly, or megalencephaly (mean age, 11.7 years; range, 2-32 years) were recruited from Pediatric Hospital A. Meyer, the University of Hong Kong, and Seattle Children's Research Institute from June 2012 to June 2014. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 8 children with FCD or hemimegalencephaly using standard-depth (50-60X) sequencing in peripheral samples (blood, saliva, or skin) from the affected child and their parents and deep (150-180X) sequencing in affected brain tissue. Targeted sequencing and WES were used to screen 93 children with molecularly unexplained diffuse or focal brain overgrowth. Histopathologic and functional assays of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-AKT (serine/threonine kinase)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activity in resected brain tissue and cultured neurons were performed to validate mutations.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Whole-exome sequencing and targeted sequencing identified variants associated with this spectrum of developmental brain disorders.

RESULTS

Low-level mosaic mutations of MTOR were identified in brain tissue in 4 children with FCD type 2a with alternative allele fractions ranging from 0.012 to 0.086. Intermediate-level mosaic mutation of MTOR (p.Thr1977Ile) was also identified in 3 unrelated children with diffuse megalencephaly and pigmentary mosaicism in skin. Finally, a constitutional de novo mutation of MTOR (p.Glu1799Lys) was identified in 3 unrelated children with diffuse megalencephaly and intellectual disability. Molecular and functional analysis in 2 children with FCD2a from whom multiple affected brain tissue samples were available revealed a mutation gradient with an epicenter in the most epileptogenic area. When expressed in cultured neurons, all MTOR mutations identified here drive constitutive activation of mTOR complex 1 and enlarged neuronal size.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, mutations of MTOR were associated with a spectrum of brain overgrowth phenotypes extending from FCD type 2a to diffuse megalencephaly, distinguished by different mutations and levels of mosaicism. These mutations may be sufficient to cause cellular hypertrophy in cultured neurons and may provide a demonstration of the pattern of mosaicism in brain and substantiate the link between mosaic mutations of MTOR and pigmentary mosaicism in skin.

Fetal brain lesions after subcutaneous inoculation of Zika virus in a pregnant nonhuman primate

We describe the development of fetal brain lesions after Zika virus (ZIKV) inoculation in a pregnant pigtail macaque. Periventricular lesions developed within 10 d and evolved asymmetrically in the occipital-parietal lobes. Fetal autopsy revealed ZIKV in the brain and significant cerebral white matter hypoplasia, periventricular white matter gliosis, and axonal and ependymal injury. Our observation of ZIKV-associated fetal brain lesions in a nonhuman primate provides a model for therapeutic evaluation.

A comprehensive transcriptional map of primate brain development

The transcriptional underpinnings of brain development remain poorly understood, particularly in humans and closely related non-human primates. We describe a high-resolution transcriptional atlas of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) brain development that combines dense temporal sampling of prenatal and postnatal periods with fine anatomical division of cortical and subcortical regions associated with human neuropsychiatric disease. Gene expression changes more rapidly before birth, both in progenitor cells and maturing neurons. Cortical layers and areas acquire adult-like molecular profiles surprisingly late in postnatal development. Disparate cell populations exhibit distinct developmental timing of gene expression, but also unexpected synchrony of processes underlying neural circuit construction including cell projection and adhesion. Candidate risk genes for neurodevelopmental disorders including primary microcephaly, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia show disease-specific spatiotemporal enrichment within developing neocortex. Human developmental expression trajectories are more similar to monkey than rodent, although approximately 9% of genes show human-specific regulation with evidence for prolonged maturation or neoteny compared to monkey.

Distinct calcium signals in developing cortical interneurons persist despite disorganization of cortex by Tbr1 KO

Cortical development involves the structuring of network features by genetically programmed molecular signaling pathways. Additionally, spontaneous ion channel activity refines neuronal connections. We examine Ca(2+) fluctuations in the first postnatal week of normal mouse neocortex and that expressing knockout of the transcription factor T-brain-1 (Tbr1): a signaling molecule in cortical patterning and differentiation of excitatory neurons. In cortex, glutamatergic neurons express Tbr1 just before the onset of population electrical activity that is accompanied by intracellular Ca(2+) increases. It is known that glutamatergic cells are disordered with Tbr1 KO such that normal laying of the cortex, with newer born cells residing in superficial layers, does not occur. However, the fate of cortical interneurons is not well studied, nor is the ability of Tbr1 deficient cortex to express normal physiological activity. Using fluorescent proteins targeted to interneurons, we find that cortical interneurons are also disordered in the Tbr1 knockout. Using Ca(2+) imaging we find that population activity in mutant cortex occurs at normal frequencies with similar sensitivity to GABAA receptor blockade as in nonmutant cortex. Finally, using multichannel fluorescence imaging of Ca(2+) indicator dye and interneurons labeled with red fluorescent protein, we identify an additional Ca(2+) signal in interneurons distinct from population activity and with different pharmacological sensitivities. Our results show the population activity described here is a robust property of the developing network that continues in the absence of an important signaling molecule, Tbr1, and that cortical interneurons generate distinct forms of activity that may serve different developmental functions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 705-720, 2016.

Evolution of the mammalian dentate gyrus

The dentate gyrus (DG), a part of the hippocampal formation, has important functions in learning, memory, and adult neurogenesis. Compared with homologous areas in sauropsids (birds and reptiles), the mammalian DG is larger and exhibits qualitatively different phenotypes: 1) folded (C- or V-shaped) granule neuron layer, concave toward the hilus and delimited by a hippocampal fissure; 2) nonperiventricular adult neurogenesis; and 3) prolonged ontogeny, involving extensive abventricular (basal) migration and proliferation of neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs). Although gaps remain, available data indicate that these DG traits are present in all orders of mammals, including monotremes and marsupials. The exception is Cetacea (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), in which DG size, convolution, and adult neurogenesis have undergone evolutionary regression. Parsimony suggests that increased growth and convolution of the DG arose in stem mammals concurrently with nonperiventricular adult hippocampal neurogenesis and basal migration of NSPCs during development. These traits could all result from an evolutionary change that enhanced radial migration of NSPCs out of the periventricular zones, possibly by epithelial-mesenchymal transition, to colonize and maintain nonperiventricular proliferative niches. In turn, increased NSPC migration and clonal expansion might be a consequence of growth in the cortical hem (medial patterning center), which produces morphogens such as Wnt3a, generates Cajal-Retzius neurons, and is regulated by Lhx2. Finally, correlations between DG convolution and neocortical gyrification (or capacity for gyrification) suggest that enhanced abventricular migration and proliferation of NSPCs played a transformative role in growth and folding of neocortex as well as archicortex.

PI3K/AKT pathway mutations cause a spectrum of brain malformations from megalencephaly to focal cortical dysplasia

Malformations of cortical development containing dysplastic neuronal and glial elements, including hemimegalencephaly and focal cortical dysplasia, are common causes of intractable paediatric epilepsy. In this study we performed multiplex targeted sequencing of 10 genes in the PI3K/AKT pathway on brain tissue from 33 children who underwent surgical resection of dysplastic cortex for the treatment of intractable epilepsy. Sequencing results were correlated with clinical, imaging, pathological and immunohistological phenotypes. We identified mosaic activating mutations in PIK3CA and AKT3 in this cohort, including cancer-associated hotspot PIK3CA mutations in dysplastic megalencephaly, hemimegalencephaly, and focal cortical dysplasia type IIa. In addition, a germline PTEN mutation was identified in a male with hemimegalencephaly but no peripheral manifestations of the PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome. A spectrum of clinical, imaging and pathological abnormalities was found in this cohort. While patients with more severe brain imaging abnormalities and systemic manifestations were more likely to have detected mutations, routine histopathological studies did not predict mutation status. In addition, elevated levels of phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein were identified in both neurons and astrocytes of all hemimegalencephaly and focal cortical dysplasia type II specimens, regardless of the presence or absence of detected PI3K/AKT pathway mutations. In contrast, expression patterns of the T308 and S473 phosphorylated forms of AKT and in vitro AKT kinase activities discriminated between mutation-positive dysplasia cortex, mutation-negative dysplasia cortex, and non-dysplasia epilepsy cortex. Our findings identify PI3K/AKT pathway mutations as an important cause of epileptogenic brain malformations and establish megalencephaly, hemimegalencephaly, and focal cortical dysplasia as part of a single pathogenic spectrum.

Brain overgrowth in disorders of RTK-PI3K-AKT signaling: a mosaic of malformations

Disorders of brain overgrowth are significant causes of intractable epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism, and other complex neurological problems. The pathology of these disorders is sometimes striking and characteristic, as in hemimegalencephaly, but can also be subtle, as in autism. Recent genetic studies have shown that many diverse forms of brain overgrowth are caused by de novo mutations that increase activity in the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathway, a key mediator of signaling by growth factors in the developing brain, such as fibroblast growth factors. In cases where mutations arise in postzygotic embryos, brain regions exhibit mosaic pathology that reflects the distribution of mutant cells, ranging from focal cortical dysplasia to lobar or hemispheric overgrowth. In turn, the histopathology of these disorders is also remarkably varied. The common underlying mechanisms of RTK-PI3K-AKT overactivation suggest new possibilities for drugs that inhibit this pathway.

Germline SMARCE1 mutations predispose to both spinal and cranial clear cell meningiomas

We recently reported SMARCE1 mutations as a cause of spinal clear cell meningiomas. Here, we have identified five further cases with non-NF2 spinal meningiomas and six with non-NF2 cranial meningiomas. Three of the spinal cases and three of the cranial cases were clear cell tumours. We screened them for SMARCE1 mutations and investigated copy number changes in all point mutation-negative samples. We identified two novel mutations in individuals with spinal clear cell meningiomas and three mutations in individuals with cranial clear cell meningiomas. Copy number analysis identified a large deletion of the 5' end of SMARCE1 in two unrelated probands with spinal clear cell meningiomas. Testing of affected and unaffected relatives of one of these individuals identified the same deletion in two affected female siblings and their unaffected father, providing further evidence of incomplete penetrance of meningioma disease in males. In addition, we found loss of SMARCE1 protein in three of 10 paraffin-embedded cranial clear cell meningiomas. Together, these results demonstrate that loss of SMARCE1 is relevant to cranial as well as spinal meningiomas. Our study broadens the spectrum of mutations in the SMARCE1 gene and expands the phenotype to include cranial clear cell meningiomas.

Growth and folding of the mammalian cerebral cortex: from molecules to malformations

The size and extent of folding of the mammalian cerebral cortex are important factors that influence a species' cognitive abilities and sensorimotor skills. Studies in various animal models and in humans have provided insight into the mechanisms that regulate cortical growth and folding. Both protein-coding genes and microRNAs control cortical size, and recent progress in characterizing basal progenitor cells and the genes that regulate their proliferation has contributed to our understanding of cortical folding. Neurological disorders linked to disruptions in cortical growth and folding have been associated with novel neurogenetic mechanisms and aberrant signalling pathways, and these findings have changed concepts of brain evolution and may lead to new medical treatments for certain disorders.

Evolution and development of the mammalian cerebral cortex

Comparative developmental studies of the mammalian brain can identify key changes that can generate the diverse structures and functions of the brain. We have studied how the neocortex of early mammals became organized into functionally distinct areas, and how the current level of cortical cellular and laminar specialization arose from the simpler premammalian cortex. We demonstrate the neocortical organization in early mammals, which helps to elucidate how the large, complex human brain evolved from a long line of ancestors. The radial and tangential enlargement of the cortex was driven by changes in the patterns of cortical neurogenesis, including alterations in the proportions of distinct progenitor types. Some cortical cell populations travel to the cortex through tangential migration whereas others migrate radially. A number of recent studies have begun to characterize the chick, mouse and human and nonhuman primate cortical transcriptome to help us understand how gene expression relates to the development and anatomical and functional organization of the adult neocortex. Although all mammalian forms share the basic layout of cortical areas, the areal proportions and distributions are driven by distinct evolutionary pressures acting on sensory and motor experiences during the individual ontogenies.

Transcriptional landscape of the prenatal human brain

The anatomical and functional architecture of the human brain is largely determined by prenatal transcriptional processes. We describe an anatomically comprehensive atlas of mid-gestational human brain, including de novo reference atlases, in situ hybridization, ultra-high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and microarray analysis on highly discrete laser microdissected brain regions. In developing cerebral cortex, transcriptional differences are found between different proliferative and postmitotic layers, wherein laminar signatures reflect cellular composition and developmental processes. Cytoarchitectural differences between human and mouse have molecular correlates, including species differences in gene expression in subplate, although surprisingly we find minimal differences between the inner and human-expanded outer subventricular zones. Both germinal and postmitotic cortical layers exhibit fronto-temporal gradients, with particular enrichment in frontal lobe. Finally, many neurodevelopmental disorder and human evolution-related genes show patterned expression, potentially underlying unique features of human cortical formation. These data provide a rich, freely-accessible resource for understanding human brain development.

Glial localization of antiquitin: implications for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

A high incidence of structural brain abnormalities has been reported in individuals with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE). PDE is caused by mutations in ALDH7A1, also known as antiquitin. How antiquitin dysfunction leads to cerebral dysgenesis is unknown. In this study, we analyzed tissue from a child with PDE as well as control human and murine brain to determine the normal distribution of antiquitin, its distribution in PDE, and associated brain malformations.

METHODS

Formalin-fixed human brain sections were subjected to histopathology and fluorescence immunohistochemistry studies. Frozen brain tissue was utilized for measurement of PDE-associated metabolites and Western blot analysis. Comparative studies of antiquitin distribution were performed in developing mouse brain sections.

RESULTS

Histologic analysis of PDE cortex revealed areas of abnormal radial neuronal organization consistent with type Ia focal cortical dysplasia. Heterotopic neurons were identified in subcortical white matter, as was cortical astrogliosis, hippocampal sclerosis, and status marmoratus of the basal ganglia. Highly elevated levels of lysine metabolites were present in postmortem PDE cortex. In control human and developing mouse brain, antiquitin immunofluorescence was identified in radial glia, mature astrocytes, ependyma, and choroid plexus epithelium, but not in neurons. In PDE cortex, antiquitin immunofluorescence was greatly attenuated with evidence of perinuclear accumulation in astrocytes.

INTERPRETATION

Antiquitin is expressed within glial cells in the brain, and its dysfunction in PDE is associated with neuronal migration abnormalities and other structural brain defects. These malformations persist despite postnatal pyridoxine supplementation and likely contribute to neurodevelopmental impairments.

Conditional ablation of Tbr2 results in abnormal development of the olfactory bulbs and subventricular zone-rostral migratory stream

BACKGROUND

Development of the olfactory bulb (OB) is a complex process that requires contributions from several progenitor cell niches to generate neuronal diversity. Previous studies showed that Tbr2 is expressed during the generation of glutamatergic OB neurons in rodents. However, relatively little is known about the role of Tbr2 in the developing OB or in the subventricular zone-rostral migratory stream (SVZ-RMS) germinal niche that gives rise to many OB neurons.

RESULTS

Here, we use conditional gene ablation strategies to knockout Tbr2 during embryonic mouse olfactory bulb morphogenesis, as well as during perinatal and adult neurogenesis from the SVZ-RMS niche, and describe the resulting phenotypes. We find that Tbr2 is important for the generation of mitral cells in the OB, and that the olfactory bulbs themselves are hypoplastic and disorganized in Tbr2 mutant mice. Furthermore, we show that the SVZ-RMS niche is expanded and disordered following loss of Tbr2, which leads to ectopic accumulation of neuroblasts in the RMS. Lastly, we show that adult glutamatergic neurogenesis from the SVZ is impaired by loss of Tbr2.

CONCLUSIONS

Tbr2 is essential for proper morphogenesis of the OB and SVZ-RMS, and is important for the generation of multiple lineages of glutamatergic olfactory bulb neurons.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons integrate in stroke-injured cortex and improve functional recovery

Stem cell-based approaches to restore function after stroke through replacement of dead neurons require the generation of specific neuronal subtypes. Loss of neurons in the cerebral cortex is a major cause of stroke-induced neurological deficits in adult humans. Reprogramming of adult human somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells is a novel approach to produce patient-specific cells for autologous transplantation. Whether such cells can be converted to functional cortical neurons that survive and give rise to behavioural recovery after transplantation in the stroke-injured cerebral cortex is not known. We have generated progenitors in vitro, expressing specific cortical markers and giving rise to functional neurons, from long-term self-renewing neuroepithelial-like stem cells, produced from adult human fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. At 2 months after transplantation into the stroke-damaged rat cortex, the cortically fated cells showed less proliferation and more efficient conversion to mature neurons with morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of a cortical phenotype and higher axonal projection density as compared with non-fated cells. Pyramidal morphology and localization of the cells expressing the cortex-specific marker TBR1 in a certain layered pattern provided further evidence supporting the cortical phenotype of the fated, grafted cells, and electrophysiological recordings demonstrated their functionality. Both fated and non-fated cell-transplanted groups showed bilateral recovery of the impaired function in the stepping test compared with vehicle-injected animals. The behavioural improvement at this early time point was most likely not due to neuronal replacement and reconstruction of circuitry. At 5 months after stroke in immunocompromised rats, there was no tumour formation and the grafted cells exhibited electrophysiological properties of mature neurons with evidence of integration in host circuitry. Our findings show, for the first time, that human skin-derived induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated to cortical neuronal progenitors, which survive, differentiate to functional neurons and improve neurological outcome after intracortical implantation in a rat stroke model.

Generation and characterization of a tamoxifen-inducible Eomes(CreER) mouse line

Transgenic mouse lines expressing inducible forms of Cre-recombinase in a tissue-specific manner are powerful genetic tools for studying aspects of development and various processes in the adult. The T-box transcription factor eomesodermin (Eomes) plays critical roles for maintenance and differentiation of different pools of stem and progenitor cells from early embryonic stages to adulthood. These include trophoblast stem cells, epiblast cells during the generation of the primary germ layers, neurogenic intermediate progenitor cells in embryonic and adult cortical neurogenesis, and maturing natural killer and T cells. Here, we report on the generation and analysis of an Eomes(CreER) -targeted allele by placing the tamoxifen-activatable Cre-recombinase (CreER) under the control of the Eomes genomic locus. We demonstrate that CreER expression recapitulates endogenous Eomes transcription within different progenitor cell populations. Tamoxifen administration specifically labels Eomes-expressing cells and their progeny as demonstrated by crossing Eomes(CreER) animals to different Cre-inducible reporter strains. In summary, this novel Eomes(CreER) allele can be used as elegant genetic tool that allows to follow the fate of Eomes-positive cells and to genetically manipulate them in a temporal specific manner.

Neuropathology of brain and spinal malformations in a case of monosomy 1p36

Monosomy 1p36 is the most common subtelomeric chromosomal deletion linked to mental retardation and seizures. Neuroimaging studies suggest that monosomy 1p36 is associated with brain malformations including polymicrogyria and nodular heterotopia, but the histopathology of these lesions is unknown. Here we present postmortem neuropathological findings from a 10 year-old girl with monosomy 1p36, who died of respiratory complications. The findings included micrencephaly, periventricular nodular heterotopia in occipitotemporal lobes, cortical dysgenesis resembling polymicrogyria in dorsolateral frontal lobes, hippocampal malrotation, callosal hypoplasia, superiorly rotated cerebellum with small vermis, and lumbosacral hydromyelia. The abnormal cortex exhibited “festooned” (undulating) supragranular layers, but no significant fusion of the molecular layer. Deletion mapping demonstrated single copy loss of a contiguous 1p36 terminal region encompassing many important neurodevelopmental genes, among them four HES genes implicated in regulating neural stem cell differentiation, and TP73, a monoallelically expressed gene. Our results suggest that brain and spinal malformations in monosomy 1p36 may be more extensive than previously recognized, and may depend on the parental origin of deleted genes. More broadly, our results suggest that specific genetic disorders may cause distinct forms of cortical dysgenesis.

The transcription factor encyclopedia

Here we present the Transcription Factor Encyclopedia (TFe), a new web-based compendium of mini review articles on transcription factors (TFs) that is founded on the principles of open access and collaboration. Our consortium of over 100 researchers has collectively contributed over 130 mini review articles on pertinent human, mouse and rat TFs. Notable features of the TFe website include a high-quality PDF generator and web API for programmatic data retrieval. TFe aims to rapidly educate scientists about the TFs they encounter through the delivery of succinct summaries written and vetted by experts in the field. TFe is available at http://www.cisreg.ca/tfe.