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Bosone C, Castaldi D, Burkard TR, Guzman SJ, Wyatt T, Cheroni C, Caporale N, Bajaj S, Bagley JA, Li C, Sorre B, Villa CE, Testa G, Krenn V, Knoblich JA. A polarized FGF8 source specifies frontotemporal signatures in spatially oriented cell populations of cortical assembloids. Nat Methods 2024:10.1038/s41592-024-02412-5. [PMID: 39294368 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02412-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Organoids generating major cortical cell types in distinct compartments are used to study cortical development, evolution and disorders. However, the lack of morphogen gradients imparting cortical positional information and topography in current systems hinders the investigation of complex phenotypes. Here, we engineer human cortical assembloids by fusing an organizer-like structure expressing fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) with an elongated organoid to enable the controlled modulation of FGF8 signaling along the longitudinal organoid axis. These polarized cortical assembloids mount a position-dependent transcriptional program that in part matches the in vivo rostrocaudal gene expression patterns and that is lost upon mutation in the FGFR3 gene associated with temporal lobe malformations and intellectual disability. By producing spatially oriented cell populations with signatures related to frontal and temporal area identity within individual assembloids, this model recapitulates in part the early transcriptional divergence embedded in the protomap and enables the study of cortical area-relevant alterations underlying human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Bosone
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Davide Castaldi
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas Rainer Burkard
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Segundo Jose Guzman
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tom Wyatt
- Laboratoire "Matière et Systèmes Complexes" (MSC), UMR 7057 CNRS, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Nicolò Caporale
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sunanjay Bajaj
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joshua Adam Bagley
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Chong Li
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Benoit Sorre
- Laboratoire "Matière et Systèmes Complexes" (MSC), UMR 7057 CNRS, University of Paris, Paris, France
- Physics of Cells and Cancer, Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne University, CNRS UMR168, Paris, France
| | | | - Giuseppe Testa
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Veronica Krenn
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Jürgen Arthur Knoblich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Rosebrock D, Vingron M, Arndt PF. Modeling gene expression cascades during cell state transitions. iScience 2024; 27:109386. [PMID: 38500834 PMCID: PMC10946328 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
During cellular processes such as differentiation or response to external stimuli, cells exhibit dynamic changes in their gene expression profiles. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can be used to investigate these dynamic changes. To this end, cells are typically ordered along a pseudotemporal trajectory which recapitulates the progression of cells as they transition from one cell state to another. We infer transcriptional dynamics by modeling the gene expression profiles in pseudotemporally ordered cells using a Bayesian inference approach. This enables ordering genes along transcriptional cascades, estimating differences in the timing of gene expression dynamics, and deducing regulatory gene interactions. Here, we apply this approach to scRNA-seq datasets derived from mouse embryonic forebrain and pancreas samples. This analysis demonstrates the utility of the method to derive the ordering of gene dynamics and regulatory relationships critical for proper cellular differentiation and maturation across a variety of developmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rosebrock
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Vingron
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter F. Arndt
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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3
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Ball G, Oldham S, Kyriakopoulou V, Williams LZJ, Karolis V, Price A, Hutter J, Seal ML, Alexander-Bloch A, Hajnal JV, Edwards AD, Robinson EC, Seidlitz J. Molecular signatures of cortical expansion in the human fetal brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.580198. [PMID: 38405710 PMCID: PMC10888819 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The third trimester of human gestation is characterised by rapid increases in brain volume and cortical surface area. A growing catalogue of cells in the prenatal brain has revealed remarkable molecular diversity across cortical areas.1,2 Despite this, little is known about how this translates into the patterns of differential cortical expansion observed in humans during the latter stages of gestation. Here we present a new resource, μBrain, to facilitate knowledge translation between molecular and anatomical descriptions of the prenatal developing brain. Built using generative artificial intelligence, μBrain is a three-dimensional cellular-resolution digital atlas combining publicly-available serial sections of the postmortem human brain at 21 weeks gestation3 with bulk tissue microarray data, sampled across 29 cortical regions and 5 transient tissue zones.4 Using μBrain, we evaluate the molecular signatures of preferentially-expanded cortical regions during human gestation, quantified in utero using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We find that differences in the rates of expansion across cortical areas during gestation respect anatomical and evolutionary boundaries between cortical types5 and are founded upon extended periods of upper-layer cortical neuron migration that continue beyond mid-gestation. We identify a set of genes that are upregulated from mid-gestation and highly expressed in rapidly expanding neocortex, which are implicated in genetic disorders with cognitive sequelae. Our findings demonstrate a spatial coupling between areal differences in the timing of neurogenesis and rates of expansion across the neocortical sheet during the prenatal epoch. The μBrain atlas is available from: https://garedaba.github.io/micro-brain/ and provides a new tool to comprehensively map early brain development across domains, model systems and resolution scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ball
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S Oldham
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - V Kyriakopoulou
- Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - L Z J Williams
- Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - V Karolis
- Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A Price
- Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - J Hutter
- Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - M L Seal
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - A Alexander-Bloch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Lifespan Brain Institute, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - J V Hajnal
- Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A D Edwards
- Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - E C Robinson
- Centre for the Developing Brain, King's College London, London, UK
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - J Seidlitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Lifespan Brain Institute, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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4
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Wang N, Wan R, Tang K. Transcriptional regulation in the development and dysfunction of neocortical projection neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:246-254. [PMID: 37488873 PMCID: PMC10503610 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.379039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamatergic projection neurons generate sophisticated excitatory circuits to integrate and transmit information among different cortical areas, and between the neocortex and other regions of the brain and spinal cord. Appropriate development of cortical projection neurons is regulated by certain essential events such as neural fate determination, proliferation, specification, differentiation, migration, survival, axonogenesis, and synaptogenesis. These processes are precisely regulated in a tempo-spatial manner by intrinsic factors, extrinsic signals, and neural activities. The generation of correct subtypes and precise connections of projection neurons is imperative not only to support the basic cortical functions (such as sensory information integration, motor coordination, and cognition) but also to prevent the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders (such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, and depression). This review mainly focuses on the recent progress of transcriptional regulations on the development and diversity of neocortical projection neurons and the clinical relevance of the failure of transcriptional modulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningxin Wang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rong Wan
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ke Tang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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5
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Dorsey SG, Mocci E, Lane MV, Krueger BK. Rapid effects of valproic acid on the fetal brain transcriptome: Implications for brain development and autism. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3684653. [PMID: 38260618 PMCID: PMC10802704 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3684653/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
There is an increased incidence of autism among the children of women who take the anti-epileptic, mood-stabilizing drug, valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy; moreover, exposure to VPA in utero causes autistic-like symptoms in rodents and non-human primates. Analysis of RNA-seq data obtained from E12.5 fetal mouse brains 3 hours after VPA administration to the pregnant dam revealed that VPA rapidly and significantly increased or decreased the expression of approximately 7,300 genes. No significant sex differences in VPA-induced gene expression were observed. Expression of 399 autism risk genes was significantly altered by VPA as was expression of 255 genes that have been reported to play fundamental roles in fetal brain development but are not otherwise linked to autism. Expression of genes associated with intracellular signaling pathways, neurogenesis, and excitation-inhibition balance as well as synaptogenesis, neuronal fate determination, axon and dendritic development, neuroinflammation, circadian rhythms, and epigenetic modulation of gene expression was dysregulated by VPA. The goal of this study was to identify mouse genes that are: (a) significantly up- or down-regulated by VPA in the fetal brain and (b) known to be associated with autism and/or to play a role in embryonic neurodevelopmental processes, perturbation of which has the potential to alter brain connectivity and, consequently behavior, in the adult. The set of genes meeting these criteria provides potential targets for future hypothesis-driven studies to elucidate the proximal causes of errors in brain connectivity underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan G. Dorsey
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Sciences, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Evelina Mocci
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Sciences, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Malcolm V. Lane
- Translational Toxicology/Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Bruce K. Krueger
- Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
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6
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Muley VY. Prediction and Analysis of Transcription Factor Binding Sites: Practical Examples and Case Studies Using R Programming. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2719:199-225. [PMID: 37803120 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3461-5_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) bind to specific regions of DNA known as transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) and modulate gene expression by interacting with the transcriptional machinery. TFBSs are typically located upstream of target genes, within a few thousand base pairs of the transcription start site. The binding of TFs to TFBSs influences the recruitment of the transcriptional machinery, thereby regulating gene transcription in a precise and specific manner. This chapter provides practical examples and case studies demonstrating the extraction of upstream gene regions from the genome, identification of TFBSs using PWMEnrich R/Bioconductor package, interpretation of results, and preparation of publication-ready figures and tables. The EOMES promoter is used as a case study for single DNA sequence analysis, revealing potential regulation by the LHX9-FOXP1 complex during embryonic development. Additionally, an example is presented on how to investigate TFBSs in the upstream regions of a group of genes, using a case study of differentially expressed genes in response to human parainfluenza virus type 1 (HPIV1) infection and interferon-beta. Key regulators identified in this context include the STAT1:STAT2 heterodimer and interferon regulatory factor family proteins. The presented protocol is designed to be accessible to individuals with basic computer literacy. Understanding the interactions between TFs and TFBSs provides insights into the complex transcriptional regulatory networks that govern gene expression, with broad implications for several fields such as developmental biology, immunology, and disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaykumar Yogesh Muley
- Independent Researcher, Hingoli, India
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
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Akula SK, Exposito-Alonso D, Walsh CA. Shaping the brain: The emergence of cortical structure and folding. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2836-2849. [PMID: 38113850 PMCID: PMC10793202 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The cerebral cortex-the brain's covering and largest region-has increased in size and complexity in humans and supports higher cognitive functions such as language and abstract thinking. There is a growing understanding of the human cerebral cortex, including the diversity and number of cell types that it contains, as well as of the developmental mechanisms that shape cortical structure and organization. In this review, we discuss recent progress in our understanding of molecular and cellular processes, as well as mechanical forces, that regulate the folding of the cerebral cortex. Advances in human genetics, coupled with experimental modeling in gyrencephalic species, have provided insights into the central role of cortical progenitors in the gyrification and evolutionary expansion of the cerebral cortex. These studies are essential for understanding the emergence of structural and functional organization during cortical development and the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with cortical malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam K Akula
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - David Exposito-Alonso
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA.
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8
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Li X, Hao S, Zou S, Tu X, Kong W, Jiang T, Chen JG. Cortex-restricted deletion of Foxp1 impairs barrel formation and induces aberrant tactile responses in a mouse model of autism. Mol Autism 2023; 14:34. [PMID: 37691105 PMCID: PMC10494400 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00567-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display touch defensiveness or avoidance (hypersensitivity), or engage in sensory seeking by touching people or objects (hyposensitivity). Abnormal sensory responses have also been noticed in mice lacking ASD-associated genes. Tactile sensory information is normally processed by the somatosensory system that travels along the thalamus to the primary somatosensory cortex. The neurobiology behind tactile sensory abnormalities, however, is not fully understood. METHODS We employed cortex-specific Foxp1 knockout (Foxp1-cKO) mice as a model of autism in this study. Tactile sensory deficits were measured by the adhesive removal test. The mice's behavior and neural activity were further evaluated by the whisker nuisance test and c-Fos immunofluorescence, respectively. We also studied the dendritic spines and barrel formation in the primary somatosensory cortex by Golgi staining and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Foxp1-cKO mice had a deferred response to the tactile environment. However, the mice exhibited avoidance behavior and hyper-reaction following repeated whisker stimulation, similar to a fight-or-flight response. In contrast to the wild-type, c-Fos was activated in the basolateral amygdala but not in layer IV of the primary somatosensory cortex of the cKO mice. Moreover, Foxp1 deficiency in cortical neurons altered the dendrite development, reduced the number of dendritic spines, and disrupted barrel formation in the somatosensory cortex, suggesting impaired somatosensory processing may underlie the aberrant tactile responses. LIMITATIONS It is still unclear how the defective thalamocortical connection gives rise to the hyper-reactive response. Future experiments with electrophysiological recording are needed to analyze the role of thalamo-cortical-amygdala circuits in the disinhibiting amygdala and enhanced fearful responses in the mouse model of autism. CONCLUSIONS Foxp1-cKO mice have tactile sensory deficits while exhibit hyper-reactivity, which may represent fearful and emotional responses controlled by the amygdala. This study presents anatomical evidence for reduced thalamocortical connectivity in a genetic mouse model of ASD and demonstrates that the cerebral cortex can be the origin of atypical sensory behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Shishuai Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Shimin Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomeng Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Jiang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, 317500, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Guang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Dorsey SG, Mocci E, Lane MV, Krueger BK. Rapid effects of valproic acid on the fetal brain transcriptome: Implications for brain development and autism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.01.538959. [PMID: 37205520 PMCID: PMC10187231 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.01.538959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
There is an increased incidence of autism among the children of women who take the anti-epileptic, mood stabilizing drug, valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy; moreover, exposure to VPA in utero causes autistic-like symptoms in rodents and non-human primates. Analysis of RNAseq data obtained from fetal mouse brains 3 hr after VPA administration revealed that VPA significantly [p(FDR) ≤ 0.025] increased or decreased the expression of approximately 7,300 genes. No significant sex differences in VPA-induced gene expression were observed. Expression of genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism as well as neurogenesis, axon growth and synaptogenesis, GABAergic, glutaminergic and dopaminergic synaptic transmission, perineuronal nets, and circadian rhythms was dysregulated by VPA. Moreover, expression of 400 autism risk genes was significantly altered by VPA as was expression of 247 genes that have been reported to play fundamental roles in the development of the nervous system, but are not linked to autism by GWAS. The goal of this study was to identify mouse genes that are: (a) significantly up- or down-regulated by VPA in the fetal brain and (b) known to be associated with autism and/or to play a role in embryonic neurodevelopmental processes, perturbation of which has the potential to alter brain connectivity in the postnatal and adult brain. The set of genes meeting these criteria provides potential targets for future hypothesis-driven approaches to elucidating the proximal underlying causes of defective brain connectivity in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
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10
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Hippenmeyer S. Principles of neural stem cell lineage progression: Insights from developing cerebral cortex. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 79:102695. [PMID: 36842274 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
How to generate a brain of correct size and with appropriate cell-type diversity during development is a major question in Neuroscience. In the developing neocortex, radial glial progenitor (RGP) cells are the main neural stem cells that produce cortical excitatory projection neurons, glial cells, and establish the prospective postnatal stem cell niche in the lateral ventricles. RGPs follow a tightly orchestrated developmental program that when disrupted can result in severe cortical malformations such as microcephaly and megalencephaly. The precise cellular and molecular mechanisms instructing faithful RGP lineage progression are however not well understood. This review will summarize recent conceptual advances that contribute to our understanding of the general principles of RGP lineage progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hippenmeyer
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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11
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Powers RM, Hevner RF, Halpain S. The Neuron Navigators: Structure, function, and evolutionary history. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1099554. [PMID: 36710926 PMCID: PMC9877351 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1099554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuron navigators (Navigators) are cytoskeletal-associated proteins important for neuron migration, neurite growth, and axon guidance, but they also function more widely in other tissues. Recent studies have revealed novel cellular functions of Navigators such as macropinocytosis, and have implicated Navigators in human disorders of axon growth. Navigators are present in most or all bilaterian animals: vertebrates have three Navigators (NAV1-3), Drosophila has one (Sickie), and Caenorhabditis elegans has one (Unc-53). Structurally, Navigators have conserved N- and C-terminal regions each containing specific domains. The N-terminal region contains a calponin homology (CH) domain and one or more SxIP motifs, thought to interact with the actin cytoskeleton and mediate localization to microtubule plus-end binding proteins, respectively. The C-terminal region contains two coiled-coil domains, followed by a AAA+ family nucleoside triphosphatase domain of unknown activity. The Navigators appear to have evolved by fusion of N- and C-terminal region homologs present in simpler organisms. Overall, Navigators participate in the cytoskeletal response to extracellular cues via microtubules and actin filaments, in conjunction with membrane trafficking. We propose that uptake of fluid-phase cues and nutrients and/or downregulation of cell surface receptors could represent general mechanisms that explain Navigator functions. Future studies developing new models, such as conditional knockout mice or human cerebral organoids may reveal new insights into Navigator function. Importantly, further biochemical studies are needed to define the activities of the Navigator AAA+ domain, and to study potential interactions among different Navigators and their binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina M. Powers
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Robert F. Hevner
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States,Department of Pathology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Shelley Halpain
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Shelley Halpain, ✉
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12
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Nano PR, Bhaduri A. Evaluation of advances in cortical development using model systems. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:408-427. [PMID: 35644985 PMCID: PMC10924780 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Compared with that of even the closest primates, the human cortex displays a high degree of specialization and expansion that largely emerges developmentally. Although decades of research in the mouse and other model systems has revealed core tenets of cortical development that are well preserved across mammalian species, small deviations in transcription factor expression, novel cell types in primates and/or humans, and unique cortical architecture distinguish the human cortex. Importantly, many of the genes and signaling pathways thought to drive human-specific cortical expansion also leave the brain vulnerable to disease, as the misregulation of these factors is highly correlated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, creating a comprehensive understanding of human-specific cognition and disease remains challenging. Here, we review key stages of cortical development and highlight known or possible differences between model systems and the developing human brain. By identifying the developmental trajectories that may facilitate uniquely human traits, we highlight open questions in need of approaches to examine these processes in a human context and reveal translatable insights into human developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia R Nano
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aparna Bhaduri
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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13
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Thalamocortical axons regulate neurogenesis and laminar fates in the early sensory cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2201355119. [PMID: 35613048 PMCID: PMC9295754 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2201355119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study addresses how the cerebral cortex is partitioned into specialized areas during development. Although both early embryonic patterning and postnatal synaptic input from sensory thalamic nuclei are known to be critical, early roles of thalamic axons in area-specific regulation of cortical neurogenesis are poorly understood. We examined this by developing a genetic mouse model in which thalamocortical projections fail to properly form during embryogenesis, and found these axons are required not only for an enhanced production of superficial layer neurons but also for promoting the layer 4 cell fate, a hallmark of the primary sensory cortex. These findings provide a mechanism by which thalamocortical axons complement the intrinsic programs of neurogenesis and early fate specification. Area-specific axonal projections from the mammalian thalamus shape unique cellular organization in target areas in the adult neocortex. How these axons control neurogenesis and early neuronal fate specification is poorly understood. By using mutant mice lacking the majority of thalamocortical axons, we show that these axons are required for the production and specification of the proper number of layer 4 neurons in primary sensory areas by the neonatal stage. Part of these area-specific roles is played by the thalamus-derived molecule, VGF. Our work reveals that extrinsic cues from sensory thalamic projections have an early role in the formation of cortical cytoarchitecture by enhancing the production and specification of layer 4 neurons.
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14
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Abstract
During evolution, the cerebral cortex advances by increasing in surface and the introduction of new cytoarchitectonic areas among which the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is considered to be the substrate of highest cognitive functions. Although neurons of the PFC are generated before birth, the differentiation of its neurons and development of synaptic connections in humans extend to the 3rd decade of life. During this period, synapses as well as neurotransmitter systems including their receptors and transporters, are initially overproduced followed by selective elimination. Advanced methods applied to human and animal models, enable investigation of the cellular mechanisms and role of specific genes, non-coding regulatory elements and signaling molecules in control of prefrontal neuronal production and phenotypic fate, as well as neuronal migration to establish layering of the PFC. Likewise, various genetic approaches in combination with functional assays and immunohistochemical and imaging methods reveal roles of neurotransmitter systems during maturation of the PFC. Disruption, or even a slight slowing of the rate of neuronal production, migration and synaptogenesis by genetic or environmental factors, can induce gross as well as subtle changes that eventually can lead to cognitive impairment. An understanding of the development and evolution of the PFC provide insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of congenital neuropsychiatric diseases as well as idiopathic developmental disorders that cause intellectual disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M Kolk
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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15
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Moussa AJ, Wester JC. Cell-type specific transcriptomic signatures of neocortical circuit organization and their relevance to autism. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:982721. [PMID: 36213201 PMCID: PMC9545608 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.982721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A prevailing challenge in neuroscience is understanding how diverse neuronal cell types select their synaptic partners to form circuits. In the neocortex, major classes of excitatory projection neurons and inhibitory interneurons are conserved across functionally distinct regions. There is evidence these classes form canonical circuit motifs that depend primarily on their identity; however, regional cues likely also influence their choice of synaptic partners. We mined the Allen Institute's single-cell RNA-sequencing database of mouse cortical neurons to study the expression of genes necessary for synaptic connectivity and physiology in two regions: the anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) and the primary visual cortex (VISp). We used the Allen's metadata to parse cells by clusters representing major excitatory and inhibitory classes that are common to both ALM and VISp. We then performed two types of pairwise differential gene expression analysis: (1) between different neuronal classes within the same brain region (ALM or VISp), and (2) between the same neuronal class in ALM and VISp. We filtered our results for differentially expressed genes related to circuit connectivity and developed a novel bioinformatic approach to determine the sets uniquely enriched in each neuronal class in ALM, VISp, or both. This analysis provides an organized set of genes that may regulate synaptic connectivity and physiology in a cell-type-specific manner. Furthermore, it identifies candidate mechanisms for circuit organization that are conserved across functionally distinct cortical regions or that are region dependent. Finally, we used the SFARI Human Gene Module to identify genes from this analysis that are related to risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our analysis provides clear molecular targets for future studies to understand neocortical circuit organization and abnormalities that underlie autistic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Moussa
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jason C Wester
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
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16
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Ypsilanti AR, Pattabiraman K, Catta-Preta R, Golonzhka O, Lindtner S, Tang K, Jones IR, Abnousi A, Juric I, Hu M, Shen Y, Dickel DE, Visel A, Pennachio LA, Hawrylycz M, Thompson CL, Zeng H, Barozzi I, Nord AS, Rubenstein JL. Transcriptional network orchestrating regional patterning of cortical progenitors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2024795118. [PMID: 34921112 PMCID: PMC8713794 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024795118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We uncovered a transcription factor (TF) network that regulates cortical regional patterning in radial glial stem cells. Screening the expression of hundreds of TFs in the developing mouse cortex identified 38 TFs that are expressed in gradients in the ventricular zone (VZ). We tested whether their cortical expression was altered in mutant mice with known patterning defects (Emx2, Nr2f1, and Pax6), which enabled us to define a cortical regionalization TF network (CRTFN). To identify genomic programming underlying this network, we performed TF ChIP-seq and chromatin-looping conformation to identify enhancer-gene interactions. To map enhancers involved in regional patterning of cortical progenitors, we performed assays for epigenomic marks and DNA accessibility in VZ cells purified from wild-type and patterning mutant mice. This integrated approach has identified a CRTFN and VZ enhancers involved in cortical regional patterning in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athéna R Ypsilanti
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158;
| | - Kartik Pattabiraman
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Rinaldo Catta-Preta
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95618
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95618
| | - Olga Golonzhka
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Susan Lindtner
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Ke Tang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ian R Jones
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Armen Abnousi
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195
| | - Ivan Juric
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195
| | - Ming Hu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195
| | - Yin Shen
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Diane E Dickel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Axel Visel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Len A Pennachio
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Comparative Biochemistry Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | | | | | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alex S Nord
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95618
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95618
| | - John L Rubenstein
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158;
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17
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He Z, Du L, Huang Y, Jiang X, Lv J, Guo L, Zhang S, Zhang T. Gyral Hinges Account for the Highest Cost and the Highest Communication Capacity in a Corticocortical Network. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:3359-3376. [PMID: 34875041 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior studies reported the global structure of brain networks exhibits the "small-world" and "rich-world" attributes. However, the underlying structural and functional architecture highlighted by these graph theory findings hasn't been explicitly related to the morphology of the cortex. This could be attributed to the lower resolution of used folding patterns, such as gyro-sulcal patterns. By defining a novel gyral folding pattern, termed gyral hinge (GH), which is the conjunction of ordinary gyri from multiple directions, we found GHs possess the highest length and cost in the white matter fiber connective network, and the shortest paths in the network tend to travel through GHs in their middle part. Based on these findings, we would hypothesize GHs could reside in the centers of a network core, thereby accounting for the highest cost and the highest communication capacity in a corticocortical network. The following results further support our hypothesis: 1) GHs possess stronger functional network integration capacity. 2) Higher cost is found on the connection with GHs to hinges and GHs to GHs. 3) Moving GHs introduces higher extra network cost. Our findings and hypotheses could reveal a profound relationship among the cortical folding patterns, axonal wiring architectures, and brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin He
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Lei Du
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Ying Huang
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Xi Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Jinglei Lv
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sydney Imaging, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Lei Guo
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- School of Computer Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Tuo Zhang
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
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18
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Shibata M, Pattabiraman K, Lorente-Galdos B, Andrijevic D, Kim SK, Kaur N, Muchnik SK, Xing X, Santpere G, Sousa AMM, Sestan N. Regulation of prefrontal patterning and connectivity by retinoic acid. Nature 2021; 598:483-488. [PMID: 34599305 PMCID: PMC9018119 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03953-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its connections with the mediodorsal thalamus are crucial for cognitive flexibility and working memory1 and are thought to be altered in disorders such as autism2,3 and schizophrenia4,5. Although developmental mechanisms that govern the regional patterning of the cerebral cortex have been characterized in rodents6-9, the mechanisms that underlie the development of PFC-mediodorsal thalamus connectivity and the lateral expansion of the PFC with a distinct granular layer 4 in primates10,11 remain unknown. Here we report an anterior (frontal) to posterior (temporal), PFC-enriched gradient of retinoic acid, a signalling molecule that regulates neural development and function12-15, and we identify genes that are regulated by retinoic acid in the neocortex of humans and macaques at the early and middle stages of fetal development. We observed several potential sources of retinoic acid, including the expression and cortical expansion of retinoic-acid-synthesizing enzymes specifically in primates as compared to mice. Furthermore, retinoic acid signalling is largely confined to the prospective PFC by CYP26B1, a retinoic-acid-catabolizing enzyme, which is upregulated in the prospective motor cortex. Genetic deletions in mice revealed that retinoic acid signalling through the retinoic acid receptors RXRG and RARB, as well as CYP26B1-dependent catabolism, are involved in proper molecular patterning of prefrontal and motor areas, development of PFC-mediodorsal thalamus connectivity, intra-PFC dendritic spinogenesis and expression of the layer 4 marker RORB. Together, these findings show that retinoic acid signalling has a critical role in the development of the PFC and, potentially, in its evolutionary expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikihito Shibata
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kartik Pattabiraman
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - David Andrijevic
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Suel-Kee Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Navjot Kaur
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sydney K Muchnik
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiaojun Xing
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Genome Editing Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gabriel Santpere
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Neurogenomics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), DCEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andre M M Sousa
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Genome Editing Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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19
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Bedogni F, Hevner RF. Cell-Type-Specific Gene Expression in Developing Mouse Neocortex: Intermediate Progenitors Implicated in Axon Development. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:686034. [PMID: 34321999 PMCID: PMC8313239 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.686034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cortex projection neurons (PNs) are generated from intermediate progenitors (IPs), which are in turn derived from radial glial progenitors (RGPs). To investigate developmental processes in IPs, we profiled IP transcriptomes in embryonic mouse neocortex, using transgenic Tbr2-GFP mice, cell sorting, and microarrays. These data were used in combination with in situ hybridization to ascertain gene sets specific for IPs, RGPs, PNs, interneurons, and other neural and non-neural cell types. RGP-selective transcripts (n = 419) included molecules for Notch receptor signaling, proliferation, neural stem cell identity, apical junctions, necroptosis, hippo pathway, and NF-κB pathway. RGPs also expressed specific genes for critical interactions with meningeal and vascular cells. In contrast, IP-selective genes (n = 136) encoded molecules for activated Delta ligand presentation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, core planar cell polarity (PCP), axon genesis, and intrinsic excitability. Interestingly, IPs expressed several “dependence receptors” (Unc5d, Dcc, Ntrk3, and Epha4) that induce apoptosis in the absence of ligand, suggesting a competitive mechanism for IPs and new PNs to detect key environmental cues or die. Overall, our results imply a novel role for IPs in the patterning of neuronal polarization, axon differentiation, and intrinsic excitability prior to mitosis. Significantly, IPs highly express Wnt-PCP, netrin, and semaphorin pathway molecules known to regulate axon polarization in other systems. In sum, IPs not only amplify neurogenesis quantitatively, but also molecularly “prime” new PNs for axogenesis, guidance, and excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert F Hevner
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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20
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Castanza AS, Ramirez S, Tripathi PP, Daza RAM, Kalume FK, Ramirez JM, Hevner RF. AUTS2 Regulates RNA Metabolism and Dentate Gyrus Development in Mice. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:4808-4824. [PMID: 34013328 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human AUTS2 mutations are linked to a syndrome of intellectual disability, autistic features, epilepsy, and other neurological and somatic disorders. Although it is known that this unique gene is highly expressed in developing cerebral cortex, the molecular and developmental functions of AUTS2 protein remain unclear. Using proteomics methods to identify AUTS2 binding partners in neonatal mouse cerebral cortex, we found that AUTS2 associates with multiple proteins that regulate RNA transcription, splicing, localization, and stability. Furthermore, AUTS2-containing protein complexes isolated from cortical tissue bound specific RNA transcripts in RNA immunoprecipitation and sequencing assays. Deletion of all major functional isoforms of AUTS2 (full-length and C-terminal) by conditional excision of exon 15 caused breathing abnormalities and neonatal lethality when Auts2 was inactivated throughout the developing brain. Mice with limited inactivation of Auts2 in cerebral cortex survived but displayed abnormalities of cerebral cortex structure and function, including dentate gyrus hypoplasia with agenesis of hilar mossy neurons, and abnormal spiking activity on EEG. Also, RNA transcripts that normally associate with AUTS2 were dysregulated in mutant mice. Together, these findings indicate that AUTS2 regulates RNA metabolism and is essential for development of cerebral cortex, as well as subcortical breathing centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Castanza
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sanja Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Prem P Tripathi
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Ray A M Daza
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Franck K Kalume
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98014, USA
| | - Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98014, USA
| | - Robert F Hevner
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.,Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98014, USA
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21
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McDonough A, Elsen GE, Daza RM, Bachleda AR, Pizzo D, DelleTorri OM, Hevner RF. Unipolar (Dendritic) Brush Cells Are Morphologically Complex and Require Tbr2 for Differentiation and Migration. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:598548. [PMID: 33488348 PMCID: PMC7820753 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.598548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated specific expression of transcription factor Tbr2 in unipolar brush cells (UBCs) of the cerebellum during development and adulthood. To further study UBCs and the role of Tbr2 in their development we examined UBC morphology in transgenic mouse lines (reporter and lineage tracer) and also examined the effects of Tbr2 deficiency in Tbr2 (MGI: Eomes) conditional knock-out (cKO) mice. In Tbr2 reporter and lineage tracer cerebellum, UBCs exhibited more complex morphologies than previously reported including multiple dendrites, bifurcating dendrites, and up to four dendritic brushes. We propose that “dendritic brush cells” (DBCs) may be a more apt nomenclature. In Tbr2 cKO cerebellum, mature UBCs were completely absent. Migration of UBC precursors from rhombic lip to cerebellar cortex and other nuclei was impaired in Tbr2 cKO mice. Our results indicate that UBC migration and differentiation are sensitive to Tbr2 deficiency. To investigate whether UBCs develop similarly in humans as in rodents, we studied Tbr2 expression in mid-gestational human cerebellum. Remarkably, Tbr2+ UBC precursors migrate along the same pathways in humans as in rodent cerebellum and disperse to create the same “fountain-like” appearance characteristic of UBCs exiting the rhombic lip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley McDonough
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Gina E Elsen
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ray M Daza
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Amelia R Bachleda
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Donald Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Olivia M DelleTorri
- California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, United States
| | - Robert F Hevner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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22
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Li Z, Tyler WA, Zeldich E, Santpere Baró G, Okamoto M, Gao T, Li M, Sestan N, Haydar TF. Transcriptional priming as a conserved mechanism of lineage diversification in the developing mouse and human neocortex. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/45/eabd2068. [PMID: 33158872 PMCID: PMC7673705 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd2068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
How the rich variety of neurons in the nervous system arises from neural stem cells is not well understood. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing and in vivo confirmation, we uncover previously unrecognized neural stem and progenitor cell diversity within the fetal mouse and human neocortex, including multiple types of radial glia and intermediate progenitors. We also observed that transcriptional priming underlies the diversification of a subset of ventricular radial glial cells in both species; genetic fate mapping confirms that the primed radial glial cells generate specific types of basal progenitors and neurons. The different precursor lineages therefore diversify streams of cell production in the developing murine and human neocortex. These data show that transcriptional priming is likely a conserved mechanism of mammalian neural precursor lineage specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - William A Tyler
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ella Zeldich
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabriel Santpere Baró
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Neurogenomics group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), DCEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mayumi Okamoto
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tianliuyun Gao
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mingfeng Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Departments of Genetics, of Psychiatry and of Comparative Medicine, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tarik F Haydar
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Rana S, Shishegar R, Quezada S, Johnston L, Walker DW, Tolcos M. The Subplate: A Potential Driver of Cortical Folding? Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:4697-4708. [PMID: 30721930 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In many species of Mammalia, the surface of the brain develops from a smooth structure to one with many fissures and folds, allowing for vast expansion of the surface area of the cortex. The importance of understanding what drives cortical folding extends beyond mere curiosity, as conditions such as preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal alcohol syndrome are associated with impaired folding in the infant and child. Despite being a key feature of brain development, the mechanisms driving cortical folding remain largely unknown. In this review we discuss the possible role of the subplate, a developmentally transient compartment, in directing region-dependent development leading to sulcal and gyral formation. We discuss the development of the subplate in species with lissencephalic and gyrencephalic cortices, the characteristics of the cells found in the subplate, and the possible presence of molecular cues that guide axons into, and out of, the overlying and multilayered cortex before the appearance of definitive cortical folds. An understanding of what drives cortical folding is likely to help in understanding the origins of abnormal folding patterns in clinical pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Rana
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosita Shishegar
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sebastian Quezada
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leigh Johnston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary Tolcos
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Sylvian fissure development is linked to differential genetic expression in the pre-folded brain. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14489. [PMID: 32879369 PMCID: PMC7468287 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71535-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which the human cerebral cortex folds into its final form remain poorly understood. With most of the current models and evidence addressing secondary folds, we sought to focus on the global geometry of the mature brain by studying its most distinctive feature, the Sylvian fissure. A digital human fetal brain atlas was developed using previously obtained MRI imaging of 81 healthy fetuses between gestational ages 21 and 38 weeks. To account for the development of the Sylvian fissure, we compared the growth of the frontotemporal opercula over the insular cortex and compared the transcriptome of the developing cortices for both regions. Spatiotemporal mapping of the lateral hemispheric surface showed the highest rate of organized growth in regions bordering the Sylvian fissure of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes. Volumetric changes were first observed in the posterior aspect of the fissure moving anteriorly to the frontal lobe and laterally in the direction of the temporal pole. The insular region, delineated by the limiting insular gyri, expanded to a much lesser degree. The gene expression profile, before folding begins in the maturing brain, was significantly different in the developing opercular cortex compared to the insula. The Sylvian fissure forms by the relative overgrowth of the frontal and temporal lobes over the insula, corresponding to domains of highly expressed transcription factors involved in neuroepithelial cell differentiation.
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25
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Clark EA, Rutlin M, Capano LS, Aviles S, Saadon JR, Taneja P, Zhang Q, Bullis JB, Lauer T, Myers E, Schulmann A, Forrest D, Nelson SB. Cortical RORβ is required for layer 4 transcriptional identity and barrel integrity. eLife 2020; 9:e52370. [PMID: 32851975 PMCID: PMC7492084 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor beta (RORβ) is a transcription factor (TF) and marker of layer 4 (L4) neurons, which are distinctive both in transcriptional identity and the ability to form aggregates such as barrels in rodent somatosensory cortex. However, the relationship between transcriptional identity and L4 cytoarchitecture is largely unknown. We find RORβ is required in the cortex for L4 aggregation into barrels and thalamocortical afferent (TCA) segregation. Interestingly, barrel organization also degrades with age in wildtype mice. Loss of RORβ delays excitatory input and disrupts gene expression and chromatin accessibility, with down-regulation of L4 and up-regulation of L5 genes, suggesting a disruption in cellular specification. Expression and binding site accessibility change for many other TFs, including closure of neurodevelopmental TF binding sites and increased expression and binding capacity of activity-regulated TFs. Lastly, a putative target of RORβ, Thsd7a, is down-regulated without RORβ, and Thsd7a knock-out alone disrupts TCA organization in adult barrels.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Surface/chemistry
- Antigens, Surface/genetics
- Antigens, Surface/metabolism
- Female
- Male
- Membrane Proteins/chemistry
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Neurons/chemistry
- Neurons/cytology
- Neurons/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 2/chemistry
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 2/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 2/metabolism
- Somatosensory Cortex/chemistry
- Somatosensory Cortex/cytology
- Somatosensory Cortex/metabolism
- Somatosensory Cortex/physiology
- Thalamus/chemistry
- Thalamus/metabolism
- Transcription Factors/chemistry
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcriptome/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A Clark
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Michael Rutlin
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Lucia S Capano
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Samuel Aviles
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Jordan R Saadon
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Praveen Taneja
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - James B Bullis
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Timothy Lauer
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | - Emma Myers
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
| | | | - Douglas Forrest
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, National Institutes of Health, NIDDKBethesdaUnited States
| | - Sacha B Nelson
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, Brandeis UniversityWalthamUnited States
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26
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Mira H, Morante J. Neurogenesis From Embryo to Adult - Lessons From Flies and Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:533. [PMID: 32695783 PMCID: PMC7339912 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain is composed of billions of cells, including neurons and glia, with an undetermined number of subtypes. During the embryonic and early postnatal stages, the vast majority of these cells are generated from neural progenitors and stem cells located in all regions of the neural tube. A smaller number of neurons will continue to be generated throughout our lives, in localized neurogenic zones, mainly confined at least in rodents to the subependymal zone of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. During neurogenesis, a combination of extrinsic cues interacting with temporal and regional intrinsic programs are thought to be critical for increasing neuronal diversity, but their underlying mechanisms need further elucidation. In this review, we discuss the recent findings in Drosophila and mammals on the types of cell division and cell interactions used by neural progenitors and stem cells to sustain neurogenesis, and how they are influenced by glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Mira
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Morante
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Alicante, Spain
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27
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Guillamon-Vivancos T, Tyler WA, Medalla M, Chang WWE, Okamoto M, Haydar TF, Luebke JI. Distinct Neocortical Progenitor Lineages Fine-tune Neuronal Diversity in a Layer-specific Manner. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:1121-1138. [PMID: 29415216 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
How the variety of neurons that organize into neocortical layers and functional areas arises is a central question in the study of cortical development. While both intrinsic and extrinsic cues are known to influence this process, whether distinct neuronal progenitor groups contribute to neuron diversity and allocation is poorly understood. Using in vivo genetic fate-mapping combined with whole-cell patch clamp recording, we show that the firing pattern and apical dendritic morphology of excitatory neurons in layer 4 of the barrel cortex are specified in part by their neural precursor lineage. Further, we show that separate precursors contribute to unique features of barrel cortex topography including the intralaminar position and thalamic innervation of the neurons they generate. Importantly, many of these lineage-specified characteristics are different from those previously measured for pyramidal neurons in layers 2-3 of the frontal cortex. Collectively, our data elucidate a dynamic temporal program in neuronal precursors that fine-tunes the properties of their progeny according to the lamina of destination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William A Tyler
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Medalla
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wayne Wei-En Chang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mayumi Okamoto
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tarik F Haydar
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer I Luebke
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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28
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Mallela AN, Deng H, Bush A, Goldschmidt E. Different Principles Govern Different Scales of Brain Folding. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:4938-4948. [PMID: 32347310 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The signature folds of the human brain are formed through a complex and developmentally regulated process. In vitro and in silico models of this process demonstrate a random pattern of sulci and gyri, unlike the highly ordered and conserved structure seen in the human cortex. Here, we account for the large-scale pattern of cortical folding by combining advanced fetal magnetic resonance imaging with nonlinear diffeomorphic registration and volumetric analysis. Our analysis demonstrates that in utero brain growth follows a logistic curve, in the absence of an external volume constraint. The Sylvian fissure forms from interlobar folding, where separate lobes overgrow and close an existing subarachnoid space. In contrast, other large sulci, which are the ones represented in existing models, fold through an invagination of a flat surface, a mechanistically different process. Cortical folding is driven by multiple spatially and temporally different mechanisms; therefore regionally distinct biological process may be responsible for the global geometry of the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arka N Mallela
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hansen Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alan Bush
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ezequiel Goldschmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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29
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Song J, Yang X, Zhou Y, Chen L, Zhang X, Liu Z, Niu W, Zhan N, Fan X, Khan AA, Kuang Y, Song L, He G, Li W. Dysregulation of neuron differentiation in an autistic savant with exceptional memory. Mol Brain 2019; 12:91. [PMID: 31699123 PMCID: PMC6836402 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0507-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders without a unique or definite underlying pathogenesis. Although savant syndrome is common in ASD, few models are available for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of this syndrome. In this study, we generated urinary induced pluripotent stem cells (UiPSCs) from a 13-year-old male autistic savant with exceptional memory. The UiPSC-derived neurons of the autistic savant exhibited upregulated expression levels of ASD genes/learning difficulty-related genes, namely PAX6, TBR1 and FOXP2, accompanied by hypertrophic neural somas, enlarged spines, reduced spine density, and an increased frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. Although this study involved only a single patient and a single control because of the rarity of such cases, it provides the first autistic savant UiPSC model that elucidates the potential cellular mechanisms underlying the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjing Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiujuan Yang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhuxi Liu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Weibo Niu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Nengpeng Zhan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xuelian Fan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Abdul Aziz Khan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yifang Kuang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lulu Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guang He
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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30
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Arai Y, Cwetsch AW, Coppola E, Cipriani S, Nishihara H, Kanki H, Saillour Y, Freret-Hodara B, Dutriaux A, Okada N, Okano H, Dehay C, Nardelli J, Gressens P, Shimogori T, D’Onofrio G, Pierani A. Evolutionary Gain of Dbx1 Expression Drives Subplate Identity in the Cerebral Cortex. Cell Rep 2019; 29:645-658.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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31
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Cadwell CR, Bhaduri A, Mostajo-Radji MA, Keefe MG, Nowakowski TJ. Development and Arealization of the Cerebral Cortex. Neuron 2019; 103:980-1004. [PMID: 31557462 PMCID: PMC9245854 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adult cortical areas consist of specialized cell types and circuits that support unique higher-order cognitive functions. How this regional diversity develops from an initially uniform neuroepithelium has been the subject of decades of seminal research, and emerging technologies, including single-cell transcriptomics, provide a new perspective on area-specific molecular diversity. Here, we review the early developmental processes that underlie cortical arealization, including both cortex intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms as embodied by the protomap and protocortex hypotheses, respectively. We propose an integrated model of serial homology whereby intrinsic genetic programs and local factors establish early transcriptomic differences between excitatory neurons destined to give rise to broad "proto-regions," and activity-dependent mechanisms lead to progressive refinement and formation of sharp boundaries between functional areas. Finally, we explore the potential of these basic developmental processes to inform our understanding of the emergence of functional neural networks and circuit abnormalities in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn R Cadwell
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Aparna Bhaduri
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at the University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at the University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew G Keefe
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Tomasz J Nowakowski
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at the University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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32
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Molnár Z, Clowry GJ, Šestan N, Alzu'bi A, Bakken T, Hevner RF, Hüppi PS, Kostović I, Rakic P, Anton ES, Edwards D, Garcez P, Hoerder‐Suabedissen A, Kriegstein A. New insights into the development of the human cerebral cortex. J Anat 2019; 235:432-451. [PMID: 31373394 PMCID: PMC6704245 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex constitutes more than half the volume of the human brain and is presumed to be responsible for the neuronal computations underlying complex phenomena, such as perception, thought, language, attention, episodic memory and voluntary movement. Rodent models are extremely valuable for the investigation of brain development, but cannot provide insight into aspects that are unique or highly derived in humans. Many human psychiatric and neurological conditions have developmental origins but cannot be studied adequately in animal models. The human cerebral cortex has some unique genetic, molecular, cellular and anatomical features, which need to be further explored. The Anatomical Society devoted its summer meeting to the topic of Human Brain Development in June 2018 to tackle these important issues. The meeting was organized by Gavin Clowry (Newcastle University) and Zoltán Molnár (University of Oxford), and held at St John's College, Oxford. The participants provided a broad overview of the structure of the human brain in the context of scaling relationships across the brains of mammals, conserved principles and recent changes in the human lineage. Speakers considered how neuronal progenitors diversified in human to generate an increasing variety of cortical neurons. The formation of the earliest cortical circuits of the earliest generated neurons in the subplate was discussed together with their involvement in neurodevelopmental pathologies. Gene expression networks and susceptibility genes associated to neurodevelopmental diseases were discussed and compared with the networks that can be identified in organoids developed from induced pluripotent stem cells that recapitulate some aspects of in vivo development. New views were discussed on the specification of glutamatergic pyramidal and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons. With the advancement of various in vivo imaging methods, the histopathological observations can be now linked to in vivo normal conditions and to various diseases. Our review gives a general evaluation of the exciting new developments in these areas. The human cortex has a much enlarged association cortex with greater interconnectivity of cortical areas with each other and with an expanded thalamus. The human cortex has relative enlargement of the upper layers, enhanced diversity and function of inhibitory interneurons and a highly expanded transient subplate layer during development. Here we highlight recent studies that address how these differences emerge during development focusing on diverse facets of our evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Molnár
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Gavin J. Clowry
- Institute of NeuroscienceNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Nenad Šestan
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Ayman Alzu'bi
- Department of Basic Medical SciencesFaculty of MedicineYarmouk UniversityIrbidJordan
| | | | | | - Petra S. Hüppi
- Dept. de l'enfant et de l'adolescentHôpitaux Universitaires de GenèveGenèveSwitzerland
| | - Ivica Kostović
- Croatian Institute for Brain ResearchSchool of MedicineUniversity of ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - E. S. Anton
- UNC Neuroscience CenterDepartment of Cell and Molecular PhysiologyThe University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNCUSA
| | - David Edwards
- Centre for the Developing BrainBiomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences,King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Patricia Garcez
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJInstitute of Biomedical SciencesRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | - Arnold Kriegstein
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California, San Francisco (UCSF)San FranciscoCAUSA
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell ResearchUCSFSan FranciscoCAUSA
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33
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Abstract
Brain organoids are self-assembled three-dimensional aggregates generated from pluripotent stem cells with cell types and cytoarchitectures that resemble the embryonic human brain. As such, they have emerged as novel model systems that can be used to investigate human brain development and disorders. Although brain organoids mimic many key features of early human brain development at molecular, cellular, structural and functional levels, some aspects of brain development, such as the formation of distinct cortical neuronal layers, gyrification, and the establishment of complex neuronal circuitry, are not fully recapitulated. Here, we summarize recent advances in the development of brain organoid methodologies and discuss their applications in disease modeling. In addition, we compare current organoid systems to the embryonic human brain, highlighting features that currently can and cannot be recapitulated, and discuss perspectives for advancing current brain organoid technologies to expand their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Qian
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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34
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Hevner RF. Intermediate progenitors and Tbr2 in cortical development. J Anat 2019; 235:616-625. [PMID: 30677129 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In developing cerebral cortex, intermediate progenitors (IPs) are transit amplifying cells that specifically express Tbr2 (gene: Eomes), a T-box transcription factor. IPs are derived from radial glia (RG) progenitors, the neural stem cells of developing cortex. In turn, IPs generate glutamatergic projection neurons (PNs) exclusively. IPs are found in ventricular and subventricular zones, where they differentiate as distinct ventricular IP (vIP) and outer IP (oIP) subtypes. Morphologically, IPs have short processes, resembling filopodia or neurites, that transiently contact other cells, most importantly dividing RG cells to mediate Delta-Notch signaling. Also, IPs secrete a chemokine, Cxcl12, which guides interneuron and microglia migrations and promotes thalamocortical axon growth. In mice, IPs produce clones of 1-12 PNs, sometimes spanning multiple layers. After mitosis, IP daughter cells undergo asymmetric cell death in the majority of instances. In mice, Tbr2 is necessary for PN differentiation and subtype specification, and to repress IP-genic transcription factors. Tbr2 directly represses Insm1, an IP-genic transcription factor gene, as well as Pax6, a key activator of Tbr2 transcription. Without Tbr2, abnormal IPs transiently accumulate in elevated numbers. More broadly, Tbr2 regulates the transcriptome by activating or repressing hundreds of direct target genes. Notably, Tbr2 'unlocks' and activates PN-specific genes, such as Tbr1, by recruiting Jmjd3, a histone H3K27me3 demethylase that removes repressive epigenetic marks placed by polycomb repressive complex 2. IPs have played an important role in the evolution and gyrification of mammalian cerebral cortex, and TBR2 is essential for human brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Hevner
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of mouse neocortical development. Nat Commun 2019; 10:134. [PMID: 30635555 PMCID: PMC6329831 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08079-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the mammalian cerebral cortex depends on careful orchestration of proliferation, maturation, and migration events, ultimately giving rise to a wide variety of neuronal and non-neuronal cell types. To better understand cellular and molecular processes that unfold during late corticogenesis, we perform single-cell RNA-seq on the mouse cerebral cortex at a progenitor driven phase (embryonic day 14.5) and at birth-after neurons from all six cortical layers are born. We identify numerous classes of neurons, progenitors, and glia, their proliferative, migratory, and activation states, and their relatedness within and across age. Using the cell-type-specific expression patterns of genes mutated in neurological and psychiatric diseases, we identify putative disease subtypes that associate with clinical phenotypes. Our study reveals the cellular template of a complex neurodevelopmental process, and provides a window into the cellular origins of brain diseases.
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Llinares-Benadero C, Borrell V. Deconstructing cortical folding: genetic, cellular and mechanical determinants. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019; 20:161-176. [DOI: 10.1038/s41583-018-0112-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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37
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Radial glia fibers translate Fgf8 morphogenetic signals to generate a thalamic nuclear complex protomap in the mantle layer. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 224:661-679. [PMID: 30470893 PMCID: PMC6420463 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1794-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Thalamic neurons are distributed between different nuclear groups of the thalamic multinuclear complex; they develop topologically ordered specific projections that convey information on voluntary motor programs and sensory modalities to functional areas in the cerebral cortex. Since thalamic neurons present a homogeneous morphology, their functional specificity is derived from their afferent and efferent connectivity. Adequate development of thalamic afferent and efferent connections depends on guide signals that bind receptors in nuclear neuropils and axonal growth cones, respectively. These are finally regulated by regionalization processes in the thalamic neurons, codifying topological information. In this work, we studied the role of Fgf8 morphogenetic signaling in establishing the molecular thalamic protomap, which was revealed by Igsf21, Pde10a and Btbd3 gene expression in the thalamic mantle layer. Fgf8 signaling activity was evidenced by pERK expression in radial glia cells and fibers, which may represent a scaffold that translates neuroepithelial positional information to the mantle layer. In this work, we describe the fact that Fgf8-hypomorphic mice did not express pERK in radial glia cells and fibers and presented disorganized thalamic regionalization, increasing neuronal death in the ventro-lateral thalamus and strong disruption of thalamocortical projections. In conclusion, Fgf8 encodes the positional information required for thalamic nuclear regionalization and the development of thalamocortical projections.
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Han S, Dennis DJ, Balakrishnan A, Dixit R, Britz O, Zinyk D, Touahri Y, Olender T, Brand M, Guillemot F, Kurrasch D, Schuurmans C. A non-canonical role for the proneural gene Neurog1 as a negative regulator of neocortical neurogenesis. Development 2018; 145:dev157719. [PMID: 30201687 PMCID: PMC6198467 DOI: 10.1242/dev.157719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neural progenitors undergo temporal identity transitions to sequentially generate the neuronal and glial cells that make up the mature brain. Proneural genes have well-characterised roles in promoting neural cell differentiation and subtype specification, but they also regulate the timing of identity transitions through poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we investigated how the highly related proneural genes Neurog1 and Neurog2 interact to control the timing of neocortical neurogenesis. We found that Neurog1 acts in an atypical fashion as it is required to suppress rather than promote neuronal differentiation in early corticogenesis. In Neurog1-/- neocortices, early born neurons differentiate in excess, whereas, in vitro, Neurog1-/- progenitors have a decreased propensity to proliferate and form neurospheres. Instead, Neurog1-/- progenitors preferentially generate neurons, a phenotype restricted to the Neurog2+ progenitor pool. Mechanistically, Neurog1 and Neurog2 heterodimerise, and while Neurog1 and Neurog2 individually promote neurogenesis, misexpression together blocks this effect. Finally, Neurog1 is also required to induce the expression of neurogenic factors (Dll1 and Hes5) and to repress the expression of neuronal differentiation genes (Fezf2 and Neurod6). Neurog1 thus employs different mechanisms to temper the pace of early neocortical neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisu Han
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Daniel J Dennis
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Anjali Balakrishnan
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Rajiv Dixit
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Olivier Britz
- The Francis Crick Institute-Mill Hill Laboratory, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Dawn Zinyk
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Yacine Touahri
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Thomas Olender
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Marjorie Brand
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | | | - Deborah Kurrasch
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Elsen GE, Bedogni F, Hodge RD, Bammler TK, MacDonald JW, Lindtner S, Rubenstein JLR, Hevner RF. The Epigenetic Factor Landscape of Developing Neocortex Is Regulated by Transcription Factors Pax6→ Tbr2→ Tbr1. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:571. [PMID: 30186101 PMCID: PMC6113890 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina E. Elsen
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Francesco Bedogni
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rebecca D. Hodge
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Theo K. Bammler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James W. MacDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Susan Lindtner
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - John L. R. Rubenstein
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Robert F. Hevner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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EFhd2/Swiprosin-1 is a common genetic determinator for sensation-seeking/low anxiety and alcohol addiction. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1303-1319. [PMID: 28397836 PMCID: PMC5984092 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In many societies, the majority of adults regularly consume alcohol. However, only a small proportion develops alcohol addiction. Individuals at risk often show a high sensation-seeking/low-anxiety behavioural phenotype. Here we asked which role EF hand domain containing 2 (EFhd2; Swiprosin-1) plays in the control of alcohol addiction-associated behaviours. EFhd2 knockout (KO) mice drink more alcohol than controls and spontaneously escalate their consumption. This coincided with a sensation-seeking and low-anxiety phenotype. A reversal of the behavioural phenotype with β-carboline, an anxiogenic inverse benzodiazepine receptor agonist, normalized alcohol preference in EFhd2 KO mice, demonstrating an EFhd2-driven relationship between personality traits and alcohol preference. These findings were confirmed in a human sample where we observed a positive association of the EFhd2 single-nucleotide polymorphism rs112146896 with lifetime drinking and a negative association with anxiety in healthy adolescents. The lack of EFhd2 reduced extracellular dopamine levels in the brain, but enhanced responses to alcohol. In confirmation, gene expression analysis revealed reduced tyrosine hydroxylase expression and the regulation of genes involved in cortex development, Eomes and Pax6, in EFhd2 KO cortices. These findings were corroborated in Xenopus tadpoles by EFhd2 knockdown. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in mice showed that a lack of EFhd2 reduces cortical volume in adults. Moreover, human MRI confirmed the negative association between lifetime alcohol drinking and superior frontal gyrus volume. We propose that EFhd2 is a conserved resilience factor against alcohol consumption and its escalation, working through Pax6/Eomes. Reduced EFhd2 function induces high-risk personality traits of sensation-seeking/low anxiety associated with enhanced alcohol consumption, which may be related to cortex function.
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41
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Sessa A, Ciabatti E, Drechsel D, Massimino L, Colasante G, Giannelli S, Satoh T, Akira S, Guillemot F, Broccoli V. The Tbr2 Molecular Network Controls Cortical Neuronal Differentiation Through Complementary Genetic and Epigenetic Pathways. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:3378-3396. [PMID: 27600842 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The T-box containing Tbr2 gene encodes for a transcription factor essential for the specification of the intermediate neural progenitors (INPs) originating the excitatory neurons of the cerebral cortex. However, its overall mechanism of action, direct target genes and cofactors remain unknown. Herein, we carried out global gene expression profiling combined with genome-wide binding site identification to determine the molecular pathways regulated by TBR2 in INPs. This analysis led to the identification of novel protein-protein interactions that control multiple features of INPs including cell-type identity, morphology, proliferation and migration dynamics. In particular, NEUROG2 and JMJD3 were found to associate with TBR2 revealing unexplored TBR2-dependent mechanisms. These interactions can explain, at least in part, the role of this transcription factor in the implementation of the molecular program controlling developmental milestones during corticogenesis. These data identify TBR2 as a major determinant of the INP-specific traits by regulating both genetic and epigenetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Sessa
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ernesto Ciabatti
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Drechsel
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway ,LondonNW7 1AA, UK
| | - Luca Massimino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Giannelli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Takashi Satoh
- Laboratory of Host Defense, Osaka University, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Shizuo Akira
- Laboratory of Host Defense, Osaka University, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Francois Guillemot
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway ,LondonNW7 1AA, UK
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy
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42
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Kaplan ES, Ramos-Laguna KA, Mihalas AB, Daza RAM, Hevner RF. Neocortical Sox9+ radial glia generate glutamatergic neurons for all layers, but lack discernible evidence of early laminar fate restriction. Neural Dev 2017; 12:14. [PMID: 28814327 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-017-0091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Kaplan
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - K A Ramos-Laguna
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - A B Mihalas
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - R A M Daza
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - R F Hevner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA. .,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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43
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Probst S, Daza RA, Bader N, Hummel JF, Weiß M, Tanriver Y, Hevner RF, Arnold SJ. A dual-fluorescence reporter in the Eomes locus for live imaging and medium-term lineage tracing. Genesis 2017. [PMID: 28646547 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Probst
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ray A Daza
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, 98101
| | - Natalie Bader
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonas F Hummel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Weiß
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yakup Tanriver
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine IV, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert F Hevner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, 98101
| | - Sebastian J Arnold
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre of Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
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44
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Greig LC, Woodworth MB, Greppi C, Macklis JD. Ctip1 Controls Acquisition of Sensory Area Identity and Establishment of Sensory Input Fields in the Developing Neocortex. Neuron 2017; 90:261-77. [PMID: 27100196 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While transcriptional controls over the size and relative position of cortical areas have been identified, less is known about regulators that direct acquisition of area-specific characteristics. Here, we report that the transcription factor Ctip1 functions in primary sensory areas to repress motor and activate sensory programs of gene expression, enabling establishment of sharp molecular boundaries defining functional areas. In Ctip1 mutants, abnormal gene expression leads to aberrantly motorized corticocortical and corticofugal output connectivity. Ctip1 critically regulates differentiation of layer IV neurons, and selective loss of Ctip1 in cortex deprives thalamocortical axons of their receptive "sensory field" in layer IV, which normally provides a tangentially and radially defined compartment of dedicated synaptic territory. Therefore, although thalamocortical axons invade appropriate cortical regions, they are unable to organize into properly configured sensory maps. Together, these data identify Ctip1 as a critical control over sensory area development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano C Greig
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mollie B Woodworth
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Chloé Greppi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Macklis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Abstract
T-box transcription factors play key roles in the regulation of developmental processes such as cell differentiation and migration. Mammals have 17 T-box genes, of which several regulate brain development. The Tbr1 subfamily of T-box genes is particularly important in development of the cerebral cortex, olfactory bulbs (OBs), and cerebellum. This subfamily is comprised of Tbr1, Tbr2 (also known as Eomes), and Tbx21. In developing cerebral cortex, Tbr2 and Tbr1 are expressed during successive stages of differentiation in the pyramidal neuron lineage, from Tbr2+ intermediate progenitors to Tbr1+ postmitotic glutamatergic neurons. At each stage, Tbr2 and Tbr1 regulate laminar and regional identity of cortical projection neurons, cell migration, and axon guidance. In the OB, Tbr1 subfamily genes regulate neurogenesis of mitral and tufted cells, and glutamatergic juxtaglomerular interneurons. Tbr2 is also prominent in the development of retinal ganglion cells in nonimage-forming pathways. Other regions that require Tbr2 or Tbr1 in development or adulthood include the cerebellum and adult dentate gyrus. In humans, de novo mutations in TBR1 are important causes of sporadic autism and intellectual disability. Further studies of T-box transcription factors will enhance our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and inform approaches to new therapies.
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46
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Yuzwa SA, Yang G, Borrett MJ, Clarke G, Cancino GI, Zahr SK, Zandstra PW, Kaplan DR, Miller FD. Proneurogenic Ligands Defined by Modeling Developing Cortex Growth Factor Communication Networks. Neuron 2016; 91:988-1004. [PMID: 27545711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The neural stem cell decision to self-renew or differentiate is tightly regulated by its microenvironment. Here, we have asked about this microenvironment, focusing on growth factors in the embryonic cortex at a time when it is largely comprised of neural precursor cells (NPCs) and newborn neurons. We show that cortical NPCs secrete factors that promote their maintenance, while cortical neurons secrete factors that promote differentiation. To define factors important for these activities, we used transcriptome profiling to identify ligands produced by NPCs and neurons, cell-surface mass spectrometry to identify receptors on these cells, and computational modeling to integrate these data. The resultant model predicts a complex growth factor environment with multiple autocrine and paracrine interactions. We tested this communication model, focusing on neurogenesis, and identified IFNγ, Neurturin (Nrtn), and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as ligands with unexpected roles in promoting neurogenic differentiation of NPCs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Yuzwa
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Guang Yang
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Michael J Borrett
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Geoff Clarke
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada
| | - Gonzalo I Cancino
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Siraj K Zahr
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada
| | - Peter W Zandstra
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada; The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada; McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada; Departments of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada
| | - David R Kaplan
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada.
| | - Freda D Miller
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada; McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1A8, Canada.
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Intermediate Progenitor Cohorts Differentially Generate Cortical Layers and Require Tbr2 for Timely Acquisition of Neuronal Subtype Identity. Cell Rep 2016; 16:92-105. [PMID: 27320921 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermediate progenitors (IPs) amplify the production of pyramidal neurons, but their role in selective genesis of cortical layers or neuronal subtypes remains unclear. Using genetic lineage tracing in mice, we find that IPs destined to produce upper cortical layers first appear early in corticogenesis, by embryonic day 11.5. During later corticogenesis, IP laminar fates are progressively limited to upper layers. We examined the role of Tbr2, an IP-specific transcription factor, in laminar fate regulation using Tbr2 conditional mutant mice. Upon Tbr2 inactivation, fewer neurons were produced by immediate differentiation and laminar fates were shifted upward. Genesis of subventricular mitoses was, however, not reduced in the context of a Tbr2-null cortex. Instead, neuronal and laminar differentiation were disrupted and delayed. Our findings indicate that upper-layer genesis depends on IPs from many stages of corticogenesis and that Tbr2 regulates the tempo of laminar fate implementation for all cortical layers.
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Tonchev AB, Tuoc TC, Rosenthal EH, Studer M, Stoykova A. Zbtb20 modulates the sequential generation of neuronal layers in developing cortex. Mol Brain 2016; 9:65. [PMID: 27282384 PMCID: PMC4901408 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-016-0242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During corticogenesis, genetic programs encoded in progenitor cells at different developmental stages and inherited in postmitotic neurons specify distinct layer and area identities. Transcription factor Zbtb20 has been shown to play a role for hippocampal development but whether it is implicated in mammalian neocortical morphogenesis remains unknown. Results Here, we report that during embyogenesis transcription factor Zbtb20 has a dynamic spatio-temporal expression pattern in mitotic cortical progenitors through which it modulates the sequential generation of cortical neuronal layer identities. Zbtb20 knock out mice exhibited enhanced populations of early born L6-L4 neuronal subtypes and a dramatic reduction of the late born L3/L2 neurons. This defect was due to a temporal misbalance in the production of earlier versus later born neurons, leading to a progressive diminishing of the progenitor pool for the generation of L3-L2 neurons. Zbtb20 implements these temporal effects in part by binding to promoter of the orphan nuclear receptor CoupTF1/Nr2f1. In addition to its effects exerted in cortical progenitors, the postmitotic expression of Zbtb20 in L3/L2 neurons starting at birth may contribute to their proper differentiation and migration. Conclusions Our findings reveal Zbtb20 as a novel temporal regulator for the generation of layer-specific neuronal identities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-016-0242-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton B Tonchev
- Molecular Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg, 37077, Gottingen, Germany. .,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), 37075, Göttingen, Germany. .,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University-Varna, Varna, Bulgaria.
| | - Tran Cong Tuoc
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), 37075, Göttingen, Germany.,Molecular Neurobiology Group, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University of Goettingen Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Eva H Rosenthal
- Molecular Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg, 37077, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Michèle Studer
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, iBV, UMR 7277, F-06108, Nice, France.,Inserm, iBV, U1091, F-06108, Nice, France
| | - Anastassia Stoykova
- Molecular Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg, 37077, Gottingen, Germany. .,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), 37075, Göttingen, Germany. .,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University-Varna, Varna, Bulgaria.
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Fernández V, Llinares-Benadero C, Borrell V. Cerebral cortex expansion and folding: what have we learned? EMBO J 2016; 35:1021-44. [PMID: 27056680 PMCID: PMC4868950 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201593701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most prominent features of the human brain is the fabulous size of the cerebral cortex and its intricate folding. Cortical folding takes place during embryonic development and is important to optimize the functional organization and wiring of the brain, as well as to allow fitting a large cortex in a limited cranial volume. Pathological alterations in size or folding of the human cortex lead to severe intellectual disability and intractable epilepsy. Hence, cortical expansion and folding are viewed as key processes in mammalian brain development and evolution, ultimately leading to increased intellectual performance and, eventually, to the emergence of human cognition. Here, we provide an overview and discuss some of the most significant advances in our understanding of cortical expansion and folding over the last decades. These include discoveries in multiple and diverse disciplines, from cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating cortical development and neurogenesis, genetic mechanisms defining the patterns of cortical folds, the biomechanics of cortical growth and buckling, lessons from human disease, and how genetic evolution steered cortical size and folding during mammalian evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Fernández
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Cristina Llinares-Benadero
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
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50
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Chang GW, Hsiao CC, Peng YM, Vieira Braga F, Kragten N, Remmerswaal E, van de Garde M, Straussberg R, König G, Kostenis E, Knäuper V, Meyaard L, van Lier R, van Gisbergen K, Lin HH, Hamann J. The Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR56/ADGRG1 Is an Inhibitory Receptor on Human NK Cells. Cell Rep 2016; 15:1757-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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