The development of hippocampal cellular assemblies

KDM2B regulates hippocampal morphogenesis by transcriptionally silencing Wnt signaling in neural progenitors

The hippocampus plays major roles in learning and memory, and its formation requires precise coordination of patterning, cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Here we removed the chromatin-association capability of KDM2B in the progenitors of developing dorsal telencephalon (Kdm2b∆CxxC) to discover that Kdm2b∆CxxC hippocampus, particularly the dentate gyrus, became drastically smaller with disorganized cellular components and structure. Kdm2b∆CxxC mice display prominent defects in spatial memory, motor learning and fear conditioning, resembling patients with KDM2B mutations. The migration and differentiation of neural progenitor cells is greatly impeded in the developing Kdm2b∆CxxC hippocampus. Mechanism studies reveal that Wnt signaling genes in developing Kdm2b∆CxxC hippocampi are de-repressed due to reduced enrichment of repressive histone marks by polycomb repressive complexes. Activating the Wnt signaling disturbs hippocampal neurogenesis, recapitulating the effect of KDM2B loss. Together, we unveil a previously unappreciated gene repressive program mediated by KDM2B that controls progressive fate specifications and cell migration, hence morphogenesis of the hippocampus.

Development of the hippocampal CA2 region and the emergence of social recognition

Social memories formed in early life, like those for family and unrelated peers, are known to contribute to healthy social interactions throughout life, although how the developing brain supports social memory remains relatively unexplored. The CA2 subregion of the hippocampus is involved in social memory function, but most literature on this subject is restricted to studies of adult rodents. Here, we review the current literature on the embryonic and postnatal development of hippocampal subregion CA2 in mammals, with a focus on the emergence of its unusual molecular and cellular characteristics, including its notably high expression of plasticity-suppressing molecules. We also consider the connectivity of the CA2 with other brain areas, including intrahippocampal regions, such as the dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1 regions, and extrahippocampal regions, such as the hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, basal forebrain, raphe nuclei, and the entorhinal cortex. We review developmental milestones of CA2 molecular, cellular, and circuit-level features that may contribute to emerging social recognition abilities for kin and unrelated conspecifics in early life. Lastly, we consider genetic mouse models related to neurodevelopmental disorders in humans in order to survey evidence about whether atypical formation of the CA2 may contribute to social memory dysfunction.

The regulatory role of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone proteins in neurodevelopment

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the largest tubular reticular organelle spanning the cell. As the main site of protein synthesis, Ca2+ homeostasis maintenance and lipid metabolism, the ER plays a variety of essential roles in eukaryotic cells, with ER molecular chaperones participate in all these processes. In recent years, it has been reported that the abnormal expression of ER chaperones often leads to a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including abnormal neuronal migration, neuronal morphogenesis, and synaptic function. Neuronal development is a complex and precisely regulated process. Currently, the mechanism by which neural development is regulated at the ER level remains under investigation. Therefore, in this work, we reviewed the recent advances in the roles of ER chaperones in neural development and developmental disorders caused by the deficiency of these molecular chaperones.

Conditional switching of KIF2A mutation provides new insights into cortical malformation pathogeny

By using the Cre-mediated genetic switch technology, we were able to successfully generate a conditional knock-in mouse, bearing the KIF2A p.His321Asp missense point variant, identified in a subject with malformations of cortical development. These mice present with neuroanatomical anomalies and microcephaly associated with behavioral deficiencies and susceptibility to epilepsy, correlating with the described human phenotype. Using the flexibility of this model, we investigated RosaCre-, NestinCre- and NexCre-driven expression of the mutation to dissect the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental cortical abnormalities. We show that the expression of the p.His321Asp pathogenic variant increases apoptosis and causes abnormal multipolar to bipolar transition in newborn neurons, providing therefore insights to better understand cortical organization and brain growth defects that characterize KIF2A-related human disorders. We further demonstrate that the observed cellular phenotypes are likely to be linked to deficiency in the microtubule depolymerizing function of KIF2A.

An early Sox2-dependent gene expression programme required for hippocampal dentate gyrus development

The hippocampus is a brain area central for cognition. Mutations in the human SOX2 transcription factor cause neurodevelopmental defects, leading to intellectual disability and seizures, together with hippocampal dysplasia. We generated an allelic series of Sox2 conditional mutations in mouse, deleting Sox2 at different developmental stages. Late Sox2 deletion (from E11.5, via Nestin-Cre) affects only postnatal hippocampal development; earlier deletion (from E10.5, Emx1-Cre) significantly reduces the dentate gyrus (DG), and the earliest deletion (from E9.5, FoxG1-Cre) causes drastic abnormalities, with almost complete absence of the DG. We identify a set of functionally interconnected genes (Gli3, Wnt3a, Cxcr4, p73 and Tbr2), known to play essential roles in hippocampal embryogenesis, which are downregulated in early Sox2 mutants, and (Gli3 and Cxcr4) directly controlled by SOX2; their downregulation provides plausible molecular mechanisms contributing to the defect. Electrophysiological studies of the Emx1-Cre mouse model reveal altered excitatory transmission in CA1 and CA3 regions.

Non-radial tortuous migration with cell polarity alterations of newly generated granule neurons in the neonatal rat dentate gyrus

To establish functional neuronal circuits, newborn neurons generally migrate from the ventricular germinal zones to their final positions during embryonic periods. However, most excitatory neurons of the hippocampal dentate gyrus are born postnatally in the hilus, far from the lateral ventricle. Newly generated granule neurons must then migrate to the surrounding granule cell layer (GCL), which suggests that newborn granule cells may migrate by unique cellular mechanisms. In the present study, we describe the migratory behaviors of postnatally generated granule neurons using combined retroviral labeling and time-lapse imaging analysis. Our results show that whereas half of the newly generated neurons undergo radial migration, the remainder engages in more complex migratory patterns with veering and turning movements accompanied by process formation and cell polarity alterations. These data reveal a previously unappreciated diversity of mechanisms by which granule neurons distribute throughout the GCL to contribute to hippocampal circuitry.

TUBG1 missense variants underlying cortical malformations disrupt neuronal locomotion and microtubule dynamics but not neurogenesis

De novo heterozygous missense variants in the γ-tubulin gene TUBG1 have been linked to human malformations of cortical development associated with intellectual disability and epilepsy. Here, we investigated through in-utero electroporation and in-vivo studies, how four of these variants affect cortical development. We show that TUBG1 mutants affect neuronal positioning, disrupting the locomotion of new-born neurons but without affecting progenitors’ proliferation. We further demonstrate that pathogenic TUBG1 variants are linked to reduced microtubule dynamics but without major structural nor functional centrosome defects in subject-derived fibroblasts. Additionally, we developed a knock-in Tubg1^Y92C/+ mouse model and assessed consequences of the mutation. Although centrosomal positioning in bipolar neurons is correct, they fail to initiate locomotion. Furthermore, Tubg1^Y92C/+ animals show neuroanatomical and behavioral defects and increased epileptic cortical activity. We show that Tubg1^Y92C/+ mice partially mimic the human phenotype and therefore represent a relevant model for further investigations of the physiopathology of cortical malformations.

New mutations and genes associated with malformations of cortical development keep being identified, yet there is little known about the underlying cellular mechanisms controlling these impairments. Here, authors generate and characterize a heterozygous TUBG1 knock-in mouse model bearing one of these known mutations and show that TUBG1 mutation leads to the miss-positioning of neurons in the cortical wall due to migration, because of defective microtubules dynamics, and not proliferation defects during corticogenesis.

Radial glial cells in the adult dentate gyrus: what are they and where do they come from?

Adult neurogenesis occurs in the dentate gyrus in the mammalian hippocampus. These new neurons arise from neural precursor cells named radial glia-like cells, which are situated in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. Here, we review the emerging topic of precursor heterogeneity in the adult subgranular zone. We also discuss how this heterogeneity may be established during development and focus on the embryonic origin of the dentate gyrus and radial glia-like stem cells. Finally, we discuss recently developed single-cell techniques, which we believe will be critical to comprehensively investigate adult neural stem cell origin and heterogeneity.

Rostro-Caudal and Caudo-Rostral Migrations in the Telencephalon: Going Forward or Backward?

The generation and differentiation of an appropriate number of neurons, as well as its distribution in different parts of the brain, is crucial for the proper establishment, maintenance and plasticity of neural circuitries. Newborn neurons travel along the brain in a process known as neuronal migration, to finalize their correct position in the nervous system. Defects in neuronal migration produce abnormalities in the brain that can generate neurodevelopmental pathologies, such as autism, schizophrenia and intellectual disability. In this review, we present an overview of the developmental origin of the different telencephalic subdivisions and a description of migratory pathways taken by distinct neural populations traveling long distances before reaching their target position in the brain. In addition, we discuss some of the molecules implicated in the guidance of these migratory paths and transcription factors that contribute to the correct migration and integration of these neurons.

Klotho regulates postnatal neurogenesis and protects against age-related spatial memory loss

Although the absence of the age-regulating klotho protein causes klotho-deficient mice to rapidly develop cognitive impairment and increasing klotho enhances hippocampal-dependent memory, the cellular effects of klotho that mediate hippocampal-dependent memory function are unknown. Here, we show premature aging of the klotho-deficient hippocampal neurogenic niche as evidenced by reduced numbers of neural stem cells, decreased proliferation, and impaired maturation of immature neurons. Klotho-deficient neurospheres show reduced proliferation and size that is rescued by supplementation with shed klotho protein. Conversely, 6-month-old klotho-overexpressing mice exhibit increased numbers of neural stem cells, increased proliferation, and more immature neurons with enhanced dendritic arborization. Protection from normal age-related loss of object location memory with klotho overexpression and loss of spatial memory when klotho is reduced by even half suggests direct, local effects of the protein. Together, these data show that klotho is a novel regulator of postnatal neurogenesis affecting neural stem cell proliferation and maturation sufficient to impact hippocampal-dependent spatial memory function.

Cornu Ammonis Regions-Antecedents of Cortical Layers?

Studying neocortex and hippocampus in parallel, we are struck by the similarities. All three to four layered allocortices and the six layered mammalian neocortex arise in the pallium. All receive and integrate multiple cortical and subcortical inputs, provide multiple outputs and include an array of neuronal classes. During development, each cell positions itself to sample appropriate local and distant inputs and to innervate appropriate targets. Simpler cortices had already solved the need to transform multiple coincident inputs into serviceable outputs before neocortex appeared in mammals. Why then do phylogenetically more recent cortices need multiple pyramidal cell layers? A simple answer is that more neurones can compute more complex functions. The dentate gyrus and hippocampal CA regions-which might be seen as hippocampal antecedents of neocortical layers-lie side by side, albeit around a tight bend. Were the millions of cells of rat neocortex arranged in like fashion, the surface area of the CA pyramidal cell layers would be some 40 times larger. Even if evolution had managed to fold this immense sheet into the space available, the distances between neurones that needed to be synaptically connected would be huge and to maintain the speed of information transfer, massive, myelinated fiber tracts would be needed. How much more practical to stack the "cells that fire and wire together" into narrow columns, while retaining the mechanisms underlying the extraordinary precision with which circuits form. This demonstrably efficient arrangement presents us with challenges, however, not the least being to categorize the baffling array of neuronal subtypes in each of five "pyramidal layers." If we imagine the puzzle posed by this bewildering jumble of apical dendrites, basal dendrites and axons, from many different pyramidal and interneuronal classes, that is encountered by a late-arriving interneurone insinuating itself into a functional circuit, we can perhaps begin to understand why definitive classification, covering every aspect of each neurone's structure and function, is such a challenge. Here, we summarize and compare the development of these two cortices, the properties of their neurones, the circuits they form and the ordered, unidirectional flow of information from one hippocampal region, or one neocortical layer, to another.

Dentate granule progenitor cell properties are rapidly altered soon after birth

Neurogenesis occurs during the embryonic period and ceases soon after birth in the neocortex, but continues to occur in the hippocampus even in the adult. The embryonic neocortex has radial glia or progenitor cells expressing brain lipid-binding protein (BLBP), whereas the adult hippocampus has radial granule progenitor cells expressing BLBP and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the subgranular zone. We previously found that embryonic hippocampal granule progenitor cells express GFAP, but not BLBP, indicating that these cells are different from both embryonic neocortical and adult granule progenitor cells. In the present study, as the first step towards understanding the mechanism of persistent hippocampal neurogenesis, we aimed to determine the stage at which embryonic-type granule progenitors become adult-type progenitors using mouse Gfap-GFP transgenic mice. During the embryonic stages, Gfap-GFP-positive (Gfap-GFP+) cells were distributed in the entire developing dentate gyrus (DG), whereas BLBP-positive (BLBP+) cells were mainly present in the fimbria and subpial region, and to some extent in the DG. Up to postnatal day 0 (P0), double-positive cells were scarcely detected. However, at P1, one-third of the Gfap-GFP+ cells in the DG suddenly began to weakly express BLBP. Thereafter, Gfap-GFP+/BLBP+ cells rapidly increased in number, and extended their radial processes in the inner granular cell layer. At P14 and in the adult, two-thirds of the Gfap-GFP+ cells in the subgranular zone showed BLBP immunoreactivity. These results suggest that the properties of hippocampal granule progenitor cells are rapidly altered from an embryonic to adult type soon after birth.

Dynamics and function of CXCR4 in formation of the granule cell layer during hippocampal development

In the developing hippocampus, granule cell progenitors (GCPs) arising in the ventricular zone (VZ) migrate to the subpial region, and form the granule cell layer (GCL) of the dentate gyrus (DG). To understand the mechanism of GCL formation, we investigated the dynamics and function of CXCR4 which is expressed by the GCPs and is a receptor of the CXCL12 chemokine secreted by cells surrounding the DG. In the VZ, CXCR4 was expressed on the plasma membrane of the GCPs. During their migration and in the DG, CXCR4 was internalized and accumulated as puncta close to the centrosomes, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. Phosphatase analysis suggested that both phosphorylated and dephosphorylated CXCR4 exist on the plasma membrane, whereas CXCR4 in intracellular puncta was mainly dephosphorylated. Intraventricular administration of the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 resulted in the disappearance of CXCR4 expression from the intracellular puncta, and its appearance on the plasma membranes. Furthermore, AMD3100 treatment resulted in precocious differentiation, delayed migration, and ectopic GCPs. Taken together, these results suggest that during the development and migration of GCPs, CXCR4 on the plasma membrane is phosphorylated, internalized, sorted to the centrosomes, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes, and functionally regulates GCP differentiation, migration and positioning.

Neural stem cells and neuro/gliogenesis in the central nervous system: understanding the structural and functional plasticity of the developing, mature, and diseased brain

Neurons and glia in the central nervous system (CNS) originate from neural stem cells (NSCs). Knowledge of the mechanisms of neuro/gliogenesis from NSCs is fundamental to our understanding of how complex brain architecture and function develop. NSCs are present not only in the developing brain but also in the mature brain in adults. Adult neurogenesis likely provides remarkable plasticity to the mature brain. In addition, recent progress in basic research in mental disorders suggests an etiological link with impaired neuro/gliogenesis in particular brain regions. Here, we review the recent progress and discuss future directions in stem cell and neuro/gliogenesis biology by introducing several topics presented at a joint meeting of the Japanese Association of Anatomists and the Physiological Society of Japan in 2015. Collectively, these topics indicated that neuro/gliogenesis from NSCs is a common event occurring in many brain regions at various ages in animals. Given that significant structural and functional changes in cells and neural networks are accompanied by neuro/gliogenesis from NSCs and the integration of newly generated cells into the network, stem cell and neuro/gliogenesis biology provides a good platform from which to develop an integrated understanding of the structural and functional plasticity that underlies the development of the CNS, its remodeling in adulthood, and the recovery from diseases that affect it.

Ctip2-, Satb2-, Prox1-, and GAD65-Expressing Neurons in Rat Cultures: Preponderance of Single- and Double-Positive Cells, and Cell Type-Specific Expression of Neuron-Specific Gene Family Members, Nsg-1 (NEEP21) and Nsg-2 (P19)

The brain consists of many distinct neuronal cell types, but which cell types are present in widely used primary cultures of embryonic rodent brain is often not known. We characterized how abundantly four cell type markers (Ctip2, Satb2, Prox1, GAD65) were represented in cultured rat neurons, how easily neurons expressing different markers can be transfected with commonly used plasmids, and whether neuronal-enriched endosomal proteins Nsg-1 (NEEP21) and Nsg-2 (P19) are ubiquitously expressed in all types of cultured neurons. We found that cultured neurons stably maintain cell type identities that are reflective of cell types in vivo. This includes neurons maintaining simultaneous expression of two transcription factors, such as Ctip2+/Satb2+ or Prox1+/Ctip2+ double-positive cells, which have also been described in vivo. Secondly, we established the superior efficiency of CAG promoters for both Lipofectamine-mediated transfection as well as for electroporation. Thirdly, we discovered that Nsg-1 and Nsg-2 were not expressed equally in all neurons: whereas high levels of both Nsg-1 and Nsg-2 were found in Satb2-, Ctip2-, and GAD65-positive neurons, Prox1-positive neurons in hippocampal cultures expressed low levels of both. Our findings thus highlight the importance of identifying neuronal cell types for doing cell biology in cultured neurons: Keeping track of neuronal cell type might uncover effects in assays that might otherwise be masked by the mixture of responsive and non-responsive neurons in the dish.

Epithelial cells supply Sonic Hedgehog to the perinatal dentate gyrus via transport by platelets

Dentate neural stem cells produce neurons throughout life in mammals. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is critical for maintenance of these cells; however, the perinatal source of Shh is enigmatic. In the present study, we examined the role of Shh expressed by hair follicles (HFs) that expand perinatally in temporal concordance with the proliferation of Shh-responding dentate stem cells. Specific inhibition of Shh from HFs or from epithelial sources in general hindered development of Shh-responding dentate stem cells. We also found that the blood–brain barrier (BBB) of the perinatal dentate gyrus (DG) is leaky with stem cells in the dentate exposed to blood-born factors. In attempting to identify how Shh might be transported in blood, we found that platelets contain epithelial Shh, provide Shh to the perinatal DG and that inhibition of platelet generation reduced hedgehog-responsive dentate stem cells.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07834.001

Although most of the neurons in the brain have been made by the time we are born, new neurons develop throughout life in part of the brain called the hippocampus. These neurons are thought to help with learning and forming memories. Conditions such as depression and Alzheimer's disease have been linked to not being able to produce enough new neurons.

The neurons develop from a pool of stem cells in part of the hippocampus. A protein called Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) helps to ensure there are enough stem cells and control when they develop into new neurons. The brain cells that produce Shh in adult mice do not appear until a week after birth, by which point the stem cells are already present and generating neurons. This has led scientists to question where these cells get Shh from around the time of birth.

One idea is that cells outside of the brain contribute the Shh such as hair follicles—the structures that hairs grow out of—in the scalp. Hair follicles produce Shh, develop at around the same time as the brain stem cells, and are known to regulate the development of other nearby stem cells. So, Choe et al. conducted a series of experiments in genetically engineered newborn mice and found that the brain stem cells multiply at around the same time that the hair follicles start to produce Shh. Furthermore, reducing the amount of Shh produced by the hair follicles hampered the growth of these stem cells and caused fewer neurons to develop from the stem cell pool.

These results raised the question of how Shh gets from the hair follicles to the stem cell pool in the developing brain. In adult animals, a barrier exists between the brain and the blood supply to protect the brain from infection. However, parts of this barrier are still leaky before birth, which might allow blood cells to carry Shh to the brain. Cloe et al. found that platelets—the blood cells responsible for clotting—are able to carry Shh to the brain stem cell pool. Further experiments showed that preventing platelets from forming caused fewer stem cells to develop.

The suggestion that Shh from the epithelium—the tissue layer that hair follicles are found in—is able to signal to the brain during a specific window of time raises several questions that require further study. Does epithelial Shh also signal to other organs during embryonic or postnatal development? Does injury to the nervous system that increases the permeability of the blood–brain barrier lead to the delivery of Shh to the brain via the circulation in adult animals?

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07834.002

Tangential migration of neuronal precursors of glutamatergic neurons in the adult mammalian brain

In a classic model of mammalian brain formation, precursors of principal glutamatergic neurons migrate radially along radial glia fibers whereas GABAergic interneuron precursors migrate tangentially. These migration modes have significant implications for brain function. Here we used clonal lineage tracing of active radial glia-like neural stem cells in the adult mouse dentate gyrus and made the surprising discovery that proliferating neuronal precursors of glutamatergic granule neurons exhibit significant tangential migration along blood vessels, followed by limited radial migration. Genetic birthdating and morphological and molecular analyses pinpointed the neuroblast stage as the main developmental window when tangential migration occurs. We also developed a partial "whole-mount" dentate gyrus preparation and observed a dense plexus of capillaries, with which only neuroblasts, among the entire population of progenitors, are directly associated. Together, these results provide insight into neuronal migration in the adult mammalian nervous system.

Cellular dynamics of neuronal migration in the hippocampus

A fine structure of the hippocampus is required for proper functions, and disruption of this formation by neuronal migration defects during development may play a role in some psychiatric illnesses. During hippocampal development in rodents, pyramidal neurons in the Ammon's horn are mostly generated in the ventricular zone (VZ), spent as multipolar cells just above the VZ, and then migrate radially toward the pial surface, ultimately settling into the hippocampal plate. Although this process is similar to that of neocortical projection neurons, these are not identical. In addition to numerous histological studies, the development of novel techniques gives a clear picture of the cellular dynamics of hippocampal neurons, as well as neocortical neurons. In this article, we provide an overview of the cellular mechanisms of rodent hippocampal neuronal migration including those of dentate granule cells, especially focusing on the differences of migration modes between hippocampal neurons and neocortical neurons. The unique migration mode of hippocampal pyramidal neurons might enable clonally related cells in the Ammon's horn to distribute in a horizontal fashion.