1
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Di Bella DJ, Domínguez-Iturza N, Brown JR, Arlotta P. Making Ramón y Cajal proud: Development of cell identity and diversity in the cerebral cortex. Neuron 2024; 112:2091-2111. [PMID: 38754415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.021] [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] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Since the beautiful images of Santiago Ramón y Cajal provided a first glimpse into the immense diversity and complexity of cell types found in the cerebral cortex, neuroscience has been challenged and inspired to understand how these diverse cells are generated and how they interact with each other to orchestrate the development of this remarkable tissue. Some fundamental questions drive the field's quest to understand cortical development: what are the mechanistic principles that govern the emergence of neuronal diversity? How do extrinsic and intrinsic signals integrate with physical forces and activity to shape cell identity? How do the diverse populations of neurons and glia influence each other during development to guarantee proper integration and function? The advent of powerful new technologies to profile and perturb cortical development at unprecedented resolution and across a variety of modalities has offered a new opportunity to integrate past knowledge with brand new data. Here, we review some of this progress using cortical excitatory projection neurons as a system to draw out general principles of cell diversification and the role of cell-cell interactions during cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela J Di Bella
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Nuria Domínguez-Iturza
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Juliana R Brown
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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2
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Singh A, Del-Valle-Anton L, de Juan Romero C, Zhang Z, Ortuño EF, Mahesh A, Espinós A, Soler R, Cárdenas A, Fernández V, Lusby R, Tiwari VK, Borrell V. Gene regulatory landscape of cerebral cortex folding. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn1640. [PMID: 38838158 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn1640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Folding of the cerebral cortex is a key aspect of mammalian brain development and evolution, and defects are linked to severe neurological disorders. Primary folding occurs in highly stereotyped patterns that are predefined in the cortical germinal zones by a transcriptomic protomap. The gene regulatory landscape governing the emergence of this folding protomap remains unknown. We characterized the spatiotemporal dynamics of gene expression and active epigenetic landscape (H3K27ac) across prospective folds and fissures in ferret. Our results show that the transcriptomic protomap begins to emerge at early embryonic stages, and it involves cell-fate signaling pathways. The H3K27ac landscape reveals developmental cell-fate restriction and engages known developmental regulators, including the transcription factor Cux2. Manipulating Cux2 expression in cortical progenitors changed their proliferation and the folding pattern in ferret, caused by selective transcriptional changes as revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing analyses. Our findings highlight the key relevance of epigenetic mechanisms in defining the patterns of cerebral cortex folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Singh
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lucia Del-Valle-Anton
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Camino de Juan Romero
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Eduardo Fernández Ortuño
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Arun Mahesh
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Alexandre Espinós
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Rafael Soler
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Adrián Cárdenas
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Virginia Fernández
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Ryan Lusby
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Vijay K Tiwari
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
- Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), Odense M, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
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3
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Schmidt AR, Jaime VS, Inserra PIF, Proietto S, Corso MC, Burd IA, Leopardo NP, Halperin J, Vitullo AD, Dorfman VB. Corticogenesis and folding process of the neopallium in the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25631. [PMID: 38813760 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25631] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus, is a precocial hystricomorph rodent with a gyrencephalic brain. This work aimed to perform a time-lapse analysis of the embryonic brain cortical development in the plains vizcacha to establish a species-specific temporal window for corticogenesis and the gyrencephaly onset. Additionally, a comparative examination with evolutionarily related rodents was conducted. Embryos from 40 embryonic days (ED) until the end of pregnancy ( ∼ $\sim $ 154 ED) were evaluated. The neuroanatomical examination determined transverse sulci at 80 ED and rostral lateral and caudal intraparietal sulci around 95 ED. Histological examination of corticogenesis showed emergence of the subplate at 43 ED and expansion of the subventricular zone (SVZ) and its division into inner and outer SVZs around 54 ED. The neocortical layers formation followed an inside-to-outside spatiotemporal gradient beginning with the emergence of layers VI and V at 68 ED and establishing the final six neocortical layers around 100 ED. A progressive increment of gyrencephalization index (GI) from 1.005 ± 0.003 around 70 ED, which reflects a smooth cortex, up to 1.07 ± 0.009 at the end of gestation, reflecting a gyrencephalic neuroanatomy, was determined. Contrarily, the minimum cortical thickness (MCT) progressively decreased from 61 ED up to the end of gestation. These results show that the decrease in the cortical thickness, which enables the onset of neocortical invaginations, occurs together with the expansion and subdivision of the SVZ. The temporal comparison of corticogenesis in plains vizcacha with that in relative species reflects a prenatal long process compared with other rodents that may give an evolutionary advantage to L. maximus as a precocial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Raúl Schmidt
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Soledad Jaime
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Ignacio Felipe Inserra
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sofía Proietto
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Clara Corso
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ileana Abigail Burd
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Noelia Paola Leopardo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Halperin
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Daniel Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Berta Dorfman
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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4
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Kawasaki H. Investigation of the mechanisms underlying the development and evolution of folds of the cerebrum using gyrencephalic ferrets. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25615. [PMID: 38587214 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian cerebrum has changed substantially during evolution, characterized by increases in neurons and glial cells and by the expansion and folding of the cerebrum. While these evolutionary alterations are thought to be crucial for acquiring higher cognitive functions, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and evolution of the mammalian cerebrum remain only partially understood. This is, in part, because of the difficulty in analyzing these mechanisms using mice only. To overcome this limitation, genetic manipulation techniques for the cerebrum of gyrencephalic carnivore ferrets have been developed. Furthermore, successful gene knockout in the ferret cerebrum has been accomplished through the application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This review mainly highlights recent research conducted using gyrencephalic carnivore ferrets to investigate the mechanisms underlying the development and evolution of cortical folds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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5
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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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6
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Bilgic M, Wu Q, Suetsugu T, Shitamukai A, Tsunekawa Y, Shimogori T, Kadota M, Nishimura O, Kuraku S, Kiyonari H, Matsuzaki F. Truncated radial glia as a common precursor in the late corticogenesis of gyrencephalic mammals. eLife 2023; 12:RP91406. [PMID: 37988289 PMCID: PMC10662950 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The diversity of neural stem cells is a hallmark of the cerebral cortex development in gyrencephalic mammals, such as Primates and Carnivora. Among them, ferrets are a good model for mechanistic studies. However, information on their neural progenitor cells (NPC), termed radial glia (RG), is limited. Here, we surveyed the temporal series of single-cell transcriptomes of progenitors regarding ferret corticogenesis and found a conserved diversity and temporal trajectory between human and ferret NPC, despite the large timescale difference. We found truncated RG (tRG) in ferret cortical development, a progenitor subtype previously described in humans. The combination of in silico and in vivo analyses identified that tRG differentiate into both ependymal and astrogenic cells. Via transcriptomic comparison, we predict that this is also the case in humans. Our findings suggest that tRG plays a role in the formation of adult ventricles, thereby providing the architectural bases for brain expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Bilgic
- Laboratory for Cell Asymmetry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Development, Department of Animal Development and Physiology, Graduate School for Biostudies, Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Quan Wu
- Laboratory for Cell Asymmetry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Taeko Suetsugu
- Laboratory for Cell Asymmetry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Atsunori Shitamukai
- Laboratory for Cell Asymmetry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Yuji Tsunekawa
- Laboratory for Cell Asymmetry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Tomomi Shimogori
- Molecular Mechanisms of Brain Development, RIKEN Center for Brain ScienceWakoJapan
| | - Mitsutaka Kadota
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Osamu Nishimura
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Shigehiro Kuraku
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
| | - Fumio Matsuzaki
- Laboratory for Cell Asymmetry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchKobeJapan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Development, Department of Animal Development and Physiology, Graduate School for Biostudies, Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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7
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Sawada K, Kamiya S, Kobayashi T. Neonatal Exposure to Lipopolysaccharide Promotes Neurogenesis of Subventricular Zone Progenitors in the Developing Neocortex of Ferrets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14962. [PMID: 37834410 PMCID: PMC10573966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914962] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a natural agonist of toll-like receptor 4 that serves a role in innate immunity. The current study evaluated the LPS-mediated regulation of neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) progenitors, that is, the basal radial glia and intermediate progenitors (IPs), in ferrets. Ferret pups were subcutaneously injected with LPS (500 μg/g of body weight) on postnatal days (PDs) 6 and 7. Furthermore, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) were administered on PDs 5 and 7, respectively, to label the post-proliferative and proliferating cells in the inner SVZ (iSVZ) and outer SVZ (oSVZ). A significantly higher density of BrdU single-labeled proliferating cells was observed in the iSVZ of LPS-exposed ferrets than in controls but not in post-proliferative EdU single-labeled and EdU/BrdU double-labeled self-renewing cells. BrdU single-labeled cells exhibited a lower proportion of Tbr2 immunostaining in LPS-exposed ferrets (22.2%) than in controls (42.6%) and a higher proportion of Ctip2 immunostaining in LPS-exposed ferrets (22.2%) than in controls (8.6%). The present findings revealed that LPS modified the neurogenesis of SVZ progenitors. Neonatal LPS exposure facilitates the proliferation of SVZ progenitors, followed by the differentiation of Tbr2-expressing IPs into Ctip2-expressing immature neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Sawada
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura 300-0051, Japan
| | - Shiori Kamiya
- Department of Regulation Biology, Faculty of Science, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; (S.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Tetsuya Kobayashi
- Department of Regulation Biology, Faculty of Science, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; (S.K.); (T.K.)
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8
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Fernández V, Borrell V. Developmental mechanisms of gyrification. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 80:102711. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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9
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Zarzor MS, Blumcke I, Budday S. Exploring the role of the outer subventricular zone during cortical folding through a physics-based model. eLife 2023; 12:82925. [PMID: 37043266 PMCID: PMC10097417 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The human brain has a highly complex structure both on the microscopic and on the macroscopic scales. Increasing evidence has suggested the role of mechanical forces for cortical folding – a classical hallmark of the human brain. However, the link between cellular processes at the microscale and mechanical forces at the macroscale remains insufficiently understood. Recent findings suggest that an additional proliferating zone, the outer subventricular zone (OSVZ), is decisive for the particular size and complexity of the human cortex. To better understand how the OSVZ affects cortical folding, we establish a multifield computational model that couples cell proliferation in different zones and migration at the cell scale with growth and cortical folding at the organ scale by combining an advection-diffusion model with the theory of finite growth. We validate our model based on data from histologically stained sections of the human fetal brain and predict 3D pattern formation. Finally, we address open questions regarding the role of the OSVZ for the formation of cortical folds. The presented framework not only improves our understanding of human brain development, but could eventually help diagnose and treat neuronal disorders arising from disruptions in cellular development and associated malformations of cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingmar Blumcke
- University Hospitals Erlangen, Institute of Neuropathology
| | - Silvia Budday
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute of Applied Mechanics
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10
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Vaid S, Heikinheimo O, Namba T. Embryonic mouse medial neocortex as a model system for studying the radial glial scaffold in fetal human neocortex. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:185-194. [PMID: 36450874 PMCID: PMC10033555 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Neocortex is the evolutionarily newest region in the brain, and is a structure with diversified size and morphology among mammalian species. Humans have the biggest neocortex compared to the body size, and their neocortex has many foldings, that is, gyri and sulci. Despite the recent methodological advances in in vitro models such as cerebral organoids, mice have been continuously used as a model system for studying human neocortical development because of the accessibility and practicality of in vivo gene manipulation. The commonly studied neocortical region, the lateral neocortex, generally recapitulates the developmental process of the human neocortex, however, there are several important factors missing in the lateral neocortex. First, basal (outer) radial glia (bRG), which are the main cell type providing the radial scaffold to the migrating neurons in the fetal human neocortex, are very few in the mouse lateral neocortex, thus the radial glial scaffold is different from the fetal human neocortex. Second, as a consequence of the difference in the radial glial scaffold, migrating neurons might exhibit different migratory behavior and thus distribution. To overcome those problems, we propose the mouse medial neocortex, where we have earlier revealed an abundance of bRG similar to the fetal human neocortex, as an alternative model system. We found that similar to the fetal human neocortex, the radial glial scaffold, neuronal migration and neuronal distribution are tangentially scattered in the mouse medial neocortex. Taken together, the embryonic mouse medial neocortex could be a suitable and accessible in vivo model system to study human neocortical development and its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Vaid
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oskari Heikinheimo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. 140, 00029, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Takashi Namba
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE - Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, P.O. 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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11
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Espinós A, Fernández‐Ortuño E, Negri E, Borrell V. Evolution of genetic mechanisms regulating cortical neurogenesis. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:428-453. [PMID: 35670518 PMCID: PMC9543202 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The size of the cerebral cortex increases dramatically across amniotes, from reptiles to great apes. This is primarily due to different numbers of neurons and glial cells produced during embryonic development. The evolutionary expansion of cortical neurogenesis was linked to changes in neural stem and progenitor cells, which acquired increased capacity of self‐amplification and neuron production. Evolution works via changes in the genome, and recent studies have identified a small number of new genes that emerged in the recent human and primate lineages, promoting cortical progenitor proliferation and increased neurogenesis. However, most of the mammalian genome corresponds to noncoding DNA that contains gene‐regulatory elements, and recent evidence precisely points at changes in expression levels of conserved genes as key in the evolution of cortical neurogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of basic cellular mechanisms involved in cortical neurogenesis across amniotes, and discuss recent progress on genetic mechanisms that may have changed during evolution, including gene expression regulation, leading to the expansion of the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Espinós
- Instituto de Neurociencias CSIC ‐ UMH, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant Spain
| | | | - Enrico Negri
- Instituto de Neurociencias CSIC ‐ UMH, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant Spain
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias CSIC ‐ UMH, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant Spain
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12
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Wang S, Saito K, Kawasaki H, Holland MA. Orchestrated neuronal migration and cortical folding: A computational and experimental study. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010190. [PMID: 35709293 PMCID: PMC9258886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain development involves precisely orchestrated genetic, biochemical, and mechanical events. At the cellular level, neuronal proliferation in the innermost zone of the brain followed by migration towards the outermost layer results in a rapid increase in brain surface area, outpacing the volumetric growth of the brain, and forming the highly folded cortex. This work aims to provide mechanistic insights into the process of brain development and cortical folding using a biomechanical model that couples cell division and migration with volumetric growth. Unlike phenomenological growth models, our model tracks the spatio-temporal development of cohorts of neurons born at different times, with each cohort modeled separately as an advection-diffusion process and the total cell density determining the extent of volume growth. We numerically implement our model in Abaqus/Standard (2020) by writing user-defined element (UEL) subroutines. For model calibration, we apply in utero electroporation (IUE) to ferret brains to visualize and track cohorts of neurons born at different stages of embryonic development. Our calibrated simulations of cortical folding align qualitatively with the ferret experiments. We have made our experimental data and finite-element implementation available online to offer other researchers a modeling platform for future study of neurological disorders associated with atypical neurodevelopment and cortical malformations. Brain development and cortical folding is a highly dynamic process that results from the interaction between gene expression, cellular mechanisms, and mechanical forces. Here, we expand on existing mathematical models of brain development and cortical folding to capture the behavior of multiple different subpopulations of neurons. By calibrating our biomechanical model to our novel experiments on ferrets, we can track the distribution of neurons over time and observe how the brain grows and develops its characteristic folds. Our calibrated model captures interactions between cell behavior and tissue deformation and offers more detailed information about the orchestrated migration of neuronal subpopulations. This work offers new mechanistic insights into brain development and opens the door to future investigations of atypical brain development caused by disrupted neuronal activities, particularly those alterations associated with injury, exposure, or treatment at a specific location or time during development. Finally, our experimental data and numerical implementations are provided as a resource online for the use of other researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuolun Wang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kengo Saito
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Maria A. Holland
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Brain Organization and Human Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101642. [PMID: 35626679 PMCID: PMC9139716 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cortex is a highly organized structure that develops from the caudal regions of the segmented neural tube. Its spatial organization sets the stage for future functional arealization. Here, we suggest using a developmental perspective to describe and understand the etiology of common cortical malformations and their manifestation in the human brain.
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14
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Sawada K. Neurogenesis of Subventricular Zone Progenitors in the Premature Cortex of Ferrets Facilitated by Neonatal Valproic Acid Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094882. [PMID: 35563273 PMCID: PMC9099828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluated the neurogenesis of neonatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure on subventricular zone progenitors of the developing cerebral cortex in ferrets. VPA was injected at a dose of 200 µg/g of body weight into ferret infants on postnatal days 6 and 7. Two different thymidine analogues, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU), were injected with a 48 h interval to label proliferating cells before and after VPA exposure. Two hours after BrdU injection, BrdU single- and EdU/BrdU double-labeled cells, but not EdU single-labeled cells, were significantly denser in both the inner and outer subventricular zones of VPA-exposed infants than in control infants. Notably, more than 97% of BrdU single- and EdU/BrdU double-labeled cells were immunopositive for Pax6, a stable marker for basal radial glia (bRG), in both groups. In contrast, the percentage of cells positively immunostained for Cux1, a postmitotic marker for upper-layer cortical neurons, in both EdU single- and BrdU single-labeled cells, was significantly higher in VPA-exposed infants than in control infants. These findings suggest that neonatal VPA exposure facilitates bRG proliferation, including self-renewal, followed by their differentiation into upper layer cortical neurons in the premature cortex of ferrets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Sawada
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura 300-0051, Ibaraki, Japan
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15
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Shinmyo Y, Hamabe-Horiike T, Saito K, Kawasaki H. Investigation of the Mechanisms Underlying the Development and Evolution of the Cerebral Cortex Using Gyrencephalic Ferrets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:847159. [PMID: 35386196 PMCID: PMC8977464 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.847159] [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: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian cerebral cortex has changed significantly during evolution. As a result of the increase in the number of neurons and glial cells in the cerebral cortex, its size has markedly expanded. Moreover, folds, called gyri and sulci, appeared on its surface, and its neuronal circuits have become much more complicated. Although these changes during evolution are considered to have been crucial for the acquisition of higher brain functions, the mechanisms underlying the development and evolution of the cerebral cortex of mammals are still unclear. This is, at least partially, because it is difficult to investigate these mechanisms using mice only. Therefore, genetic manipulation techniques for the cerebral cortex of gyrencephalic carnivore ferrets were developed recently. Furthermore, gene knockout was achieved in the ferret cerebral cortex using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. These techniques enabled molecular investigations using the ferret cerebral cortex. In this review, we will summarize recent findings regarding the mechanisms underlying the development and evolution of the mammalian cerebral cortex, mainly focusing on research using ferrets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Shinmyo
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Toshihide Hamabe-Horiike
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kengo Saito
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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16
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Shinmyo Y, Saito K, Hamabe-Horiike T, Kameya N, Ando A, Kawasaki K, Duong TAD, Sakashita M, Roboon J, Hattori T, Kannon T, Hosomichi K, Slezak M, Holt MG, Tajima A, Hori O, Kawasaki H. Localized astrogenesis regulates gyrification of the cerebral cortex. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabi5209. [PMID: 35275722 PMCID: PMC8916738 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi5209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The development and evolution of mammalian higher cognition are represented by gyrification of the laminar cerebral cortex and astrocyte development, but their mechanisms and interrelationships remain unknown. Here, we show that localized astrogenesis plays an important role in gyri formation in the gyrencephalic cerebral cortex. In functional genetic experiments, we show that reducing astrocyte number prevents gyri formation in the ferret cortex, while increasing astrocyte number in mice, which do not have cortical folds, can induce gyrus-like protrusions. Morphometric analyses demonstrate that the vertical expansion of deep pallial regions achieved by localized astrogenesis is crucial for gyri formation. Furthermore, our findings suggest that localized astrogenesis by a positive feedback loop of FGF signaling is an important mechanism underlying cortical folding in gyrencephalic mammalian brains. Our findings reveal both the cellular mechanisms and the mechanical principle of gyrification in the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Shinmyo
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kengo Saito
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Toshihide Hamabe-Horiike
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Narufumi Kameya
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Akitaka Ando
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kanji Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Tung Anh Dinh Duong
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Masataka Sakashita
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Jureepon Roboon
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hattori
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kannon
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Hosomichi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Michal Slezak
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Herestraat 49, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Łukasiewicz Research Network-PORT Polish Institute for Technology Development, 54-066 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Matthew G. Holt
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Herestraat 49, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Atsushi Tajima
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Osamu Hori
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
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17
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Wang W, Su L, Ji F, Zhang D, Wang Y, Zhao J, Jiao RD, Zhang M, Huang E, Jiang H, Zhang J, Jiao J. The human FOXM1 homolog promotes basal progenitor cell proliferation and cortical folding in mouse. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53602. [PMID: 34935271 PMCID: PMC8892259 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical expansion and folding are key processes in human brain development and evolution and are considered to be principal elements of intellectual ability. How cortical folding has evolved and is induced during embryo development is not well understood. Here, we show that the expression of human FOXM1 promotes basal progenitor cell proliferation and induces cortical thickening and folding in mice. Human-specific protein sequences further promote the generation of basal progenitor cells. Human FOXM1 increases the proliferation of neural progenitors by binding to the Lin28a promoter and increasing Lin28a expression. Furthermore, overexpression of LIN28A rescues the proliferation of human FOXM1 knockout neural progenitor cells. Together, our findings demonstrate that a human gene can increase the number of basal progenitor cells in mice, leading to brain size increase and gyrification, and may thus contribute to evolutionary brain development and cortical expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Wang
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Libo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Fen Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Dongming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yanyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jinyue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | | | - Mengtian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Enyu Huang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University & Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Model for Development and Disease of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangChina
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of PhysiologyShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: PhysiologySchool of Basic MedicineMedical CollegeQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University & Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Model for Development and Disease of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangChina
| | - Jianwei Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,Co‐Innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityNantongChina,Institute for Stem Cell and RegenerationChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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18
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Sokpor G, Brand-Saberi B, Nguyen HP, Tuoc T. Regulation of Cell Delamination During Cortical Neurodevelopment and Implication for Brain Disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:824802. [PMID: 35281509 PMCID: PMC8904418 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.824802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical development is dependent on key processes that can influence apical progenitor cell division and progeny. Pivotal among such critical cellular processes is the intricate mechanism of cell delamination. This indispensable cell detachment process mainly entails the loss of apical anchorage, and subsequent migration of the mitotic derivatives of the highly polarized apical cortical progenitors. Such apical progenitor derivatives are responsible for the majority of cortical neurogenesis. Many factors, including transcriptional and epigenetic/chromatin regulators, are known to tightly control cell attachment and delamination tendency in the cortical neurepithelium. Activity of these molecular regulators principally coordinate morphogenetic cues to engender remodeling or disassembly of tethering cellular components and external cell adhesion molecules leading to exit of differentiating cells in the ventricular zone. Improper cell delamination is known to frequently impair progenitor cell fate commitment and neuronal migration, which can cause aberrant cortical cell number and organization known to be detrimental to the structure and function of the cerebral cortex. Indeed, some neurodevelopmental abnormalities, including Heterotopia, Schizophrenia, Hydrocephalus, Microcephaly, and Chudley-McCullough syndrome have been associated with cell attachment dysregulation in the developing mammalian cortex. This review sheds light on the concept of cell delamination, mechanistic (transcriptional and epigenetic regulation) nuances involved, and its importance for corticogenesis. Various neurodevelopmental disorders with defective (too much or too little) cell delamination as a notable etiological underpinning are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Sokpor
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- *Correspondence: Godwin Sokpor,
| | - Beate Brand-Saberi
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tran Tuoc
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Tran Tuoc,
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19
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Tomasello U, Klingler E, Niquille M, Mule N, Santinha AJ, de Vevey L, Prados J, Platt RJ, Borrell V, Jabaudon D, Dayer A. miR-137 and miR-122, two outer subventricular zone non-coding RNAs, regulate basal progenitor expansion and neuronal differentiation. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110381. [PMID: 35172154 PMCID: PMC8864305 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical expansion in primate brains relies on enlargement of germinal zones during a prolonged developmental period. Although most mammals have two cortical germinal zones, the ventricular zone (VZ) and subventricular zone (SVZ), gyrencephalic species display an additional germinal zone, the outer subventricular zone (oSVZ), which increases the number and diversity of neurons generated during corticogenesis. How the oSVZ emerged during evolution is poorly understood, but recent studies suggest a role for non-coding RNAs, which allow tight genetic program regulation during development. Here, using in vivo functional genetics, single-cell RNA sequencing, live imaging, and electrophysiology to assess progenitor and neuronal properties in mice, we identify two oSVZ-expressed microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-137 and miR-122, which regulate key cellular features of cortical expansion. miR-137 promotes basal progenitor self-replication and superficial layer neuron fate, whereas miR-122 decreases the pace of neuronal differentiation. These findings support a cell-type-specific role of miRNA-mediated gene expression in cortical expansion. oSVZ-expressed microRNAs 137 and 122 promote superficial layer identity of neurons miR-137 promotes basal progenitor proliferation and layer 2/3 neuron generation miR-122 slows down neuronal differentiation pace
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Tomasello
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alacant, Spain
| | - Esther Klingler
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Niquille
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospital, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nandkishor Mule
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonio J Santinha
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura de Vevey
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julien Prados
- Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospital, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Randall J Platt
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Victor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alacant, Spain
| | - Denis Jabaudon
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Clinic of Neurology, Geneva University Hospital, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Alexandre Dayer
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospital, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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20
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Ossola C, Kalebic N. Roots of the Malformations of Cortical Development in the Cell Biology of Neural Progenitor Cells. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:817218. [PMID: 35069108 PMCID: PMC8766818 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.817218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex is a structure that underlies various brain functions, including cognition and language. Mammalian cerebral cortex starts developing during the embryonic period with the neural progenitor cells generating neurons. Newborn neurons migrate along progenitors’ radial processes from the site of their origin in the germinal zones to the cortical plate, where they mature and integrate in the forming circuitry. Cell biological features of neural progenitors, such as the location and timing of their mitoses, together with their characteristic morphologies, can directly or indirectly regulate the abundance and the identity of their neuronal progeny. Alterations in the complex and delicate process of cerebral cortex development can lead to malformations of cortical development (MCDs). They include various structural abnormalities that affect the size, thickness and/or folding pattern of the developing cortex. Their clinical manifestations can entail a neurodevelopmental disorder, such as epilepsy, developmental delay, intellectual disability, or autism spectrum disorder. The recent advancements of molecular and neuroimaging techniques, along with the development of appropriate in vitro and in vivo model systems, have enabled the assessment of the genetic and environmental causes of MCDs. Here we broadly review the cell biological characteristics of neural progenitor cells and focus on those features whose perturbations have been linked to MCDs.
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21
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Chinnappa K, Cárdenas A, Prieto-Colomina A, Villalba A, Márquez-Galera Á, Soler R, Nomura Y, Llorens E, Tomasello U, López-Atalaya JP, Borrell V. Secondary loss of miR-3607 reduced cortical progenitor amplification during rodent evolution. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj4010. [PMID: 35020425 PMCID: PMC8754304 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj4010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionary expansion and folding of the mammalian cerebral cortex resulted from amplification of progenitor cells during embryonic development. This process was reversed in the rodent lineage after splitting from primates, leading to smaller and smooth brains. Genetic mechanisms underlying this secondary loss in rodent evolution remain unknown. We show that microRNA miR-3607 is expressed embryonically in the large cortex of primates and ferret, distant from the primate-rodent lineage, but not in mouse. Experimental expression of miR-3607 in embryonic mouse cortex led to increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling, amplification of radial glia cells (RGCs), and expansion of the ventricular zone (VZ), via blocking the β-catenin inhibitor APC (adenomatous polyposis coli). Accordingly, loss of endogenous miR-3607 in ferret reduced RGC proliferation, while overexpression in human cerebral organoids promoted VZ expansion. Our results identify a gene selected for secondary loss during mammalian evolution to limit RGC amplification and, potentially, cortex size in rodents.
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22
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Abstract
The human brain is characterized by the large size and intricate folding of its cerebral cortex, which are fundamental for our higher cognitive function and frequently altered in pathological dysfunction. Cortex folding is not unique to humans, nor even to primates, but is common across mammals. Cortical growth and folding are the result of complex developmental processes that involve neural stem and progenitor cells and their cellular lineages, the migration and differentiation of neurons, and the genetic programs that regulate and fine-tune these processes. All these factors combined generate mechanical stress and strain on the developing neural tissue, which ultimately drives orderly cortical deformation and folding. In this review we examine and summarize the current knowledge on the molecular, cellular, histogenic and mechanical mechanisms that are involved in and influence folding of the cerebral cortex, and how they emerged and changed during mammalian evolution. We discuss the main types of pathological malformations of human cortex folding, their specific developmental origin, and how investigating their genetic causes has illuminated our understanding of key events involved. We close our review by presenting the state-of-the-art animal and in vitro models of cortex folding that are currently used to study these devastating developmental brain disorders in children, and what are the main challenges that remain ahead of us to fully understand brain folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Del Valle Anton
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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23
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Kawasaki H. [Investigation of the Mechanisms Underlying Development and Diseases of the Cerebral Cortex Using Mice and Ferrets]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2021; 141:349-357. [PMID: 33642503 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.20-00198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Folds of the cerebral cortex, which are called gyri and sulci, are one of the most prominent features of the mammalian brain. However, the mechanisms underlying the development and malformation of cortical folds are largely unknown, mainly because they are difficult to investigate in mice, whose brain do not have cortical folds. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the development and malformation of cortical folds, we developed a genetic manipulation technique for the cerebral cortex of gyrencephalic carnivore ferrets. Genes-of-interest can be expressed in the ferret cortex rapidly and efficiently. We also demonstrated that genes-of-interest can be knocked out in the ferret cortex by combining in utero electroporation and the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Using our technique, we found that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling and sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling are crucial for cortical folding. In addition, we found that FGF signaling and Shh signaling preferentially increased outer radial glial cells and the thickness of upper layers of the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, over-activation of FGF signaling and Shh signaling resulted in polymicrogyria. Our findings provide in vivo data about the mechanisms of cortical folding in gyrencephalic mammals. Our technique for the ferret cerebral cortex should be useful for investigating the mechanisms underlying the development and diseases of the cerebral cortex that cannot be investigated using mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa University
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24
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Qin J, Wang M, Zhao T, Xiao X, Li X, Yang J, Yi L, Goffinet AM, Qu Y, Zhou L. Early Forebrain Neurons and Scaffold Fibers in Human Embryos. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:913-928. [PMID: 31298263 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz136] [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: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal migration, areal organization, and pioneer axon wiring are critical events during early forebrain development, yet remain incompletely understood, especially in human. Here, we studied forebrain development in human embryos aged 5 to 8 postconceptional weeks (WPC5-8), stages that correspond to the neuroepithelium/early marginal zone (WPC5), telencephalic preplate (WPC6 & 7), and incipient cortical plate (WPC8). We show that early telencephalic neurons are formed at the neuroepithelial stage; the most precocious ones originate from local telencephalic neuroepithelium and possibly from the olfactory placode. At the preplate stage, forebrain organization is quite similar in human and mouse in terms of areal organization and of differentiation of Cajal-Retzius cells, pioneer neurons, and axons. Like in mice, axons from pioneer neurons in prethalamus, ventral telencephalon, and cortical preplate cross the diencephalon-telencephalon junction and the pallial-subpallial boundary, forming scaffolds that could guide thalamic and cortical axons at later stages. In accord with this model, at the early cortical plate stage, corticofugal axons run in ventral telencephalon in close contact with scaffold neurons, which express CELSR3 and FZD3, two molecules that regulates formation of similar scaffolds in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Qin
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Meizhi Wang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Tianyun Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Xuejun Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Jieping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Lisha Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Andre M Goffinet
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Yibo Qu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, P R China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory Jinan University Guangzhou, P R China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, P R China.,Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou, P R China
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25
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Pinson A, Huttner WB. Neocortex expansion in development and evolution-from genes to progenitor cell biology. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 73:9-18. [PMID: 34098196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionary expansion of the neocortex, the seat of higher cognitive functions in humans, is primarily due to an increased and prolonged proliferation of neural progenitor cells during development. Basal progenitors, and in particular basal radial glial cells, are thought to have a key role in the increased generation of neurons that constitutes a foundation of neocortex expansion. Recent studies have identified primate-specific and human-specific genes and changes in gene expression that promote increased proliferative capacity of cortical progenitors. In many cases, the cell biological basis underlying this increase has been uncovered. Model systems such as mouse, ferret, nonhuman primates, and cerebral organoids have been used to establish the relevance of these genes for neocortex expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneline Pinson
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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26
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Kalusa M, Heinrich MD, Sauerland C, Morawski M, Fietz SA. Developmental Differences in Neocortex Neurogenesis and Maturation Between the Altricial Dwarf Rabbit and Precocial Guinea Pig. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:678385. [PMID: 34135738 PMCID: PMC8200626 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.678385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals are born on a precocial-altricial continuum. Altricial species produce helpless neonates with closed distant organs incapable of locomotion, whereas precocial species give birth to well-developed young that possess sophisticated sensory and locomotor capabilities. Previous studies suggest that distinct patterns of cortex development differ between precocial and altricial species. This study compares patterns of neocortex neurogenesis and maturation in the precocial guinea pig and altricial dwarf rabbit, both belonging to the taxon of Glires. We show that the principal order of neurodevelopmental events is preserved in the neocortex of both species. Moreover, we show that neurogenesis starts at a later postconceptional day and takes longer in absolute gestational days in the precocial than the altricial neocortex. Intriguingly, our data indicate that the dwarf rabbit neocortex contains a higher abundance of highly proliferative basal progenitors than the guinea pig, which might underlie its higher encephalization quotient, demonstrating that the amount of neuron production is determined by complex regulation of multiple factors. Furthermore, we show that the guinea pig neocortex exhibits a higher maturation status at birth, thus providing evidence for the notions that precocial species might have acquired the morphological machinery required to attain their high functional state at birth and that brain expansion in the precocial newborn is mainly due to prenatally initiating processes of gliogenesis and neuron differentiation instead of increased neurogenesis. Together, this study reveals important insights into the timing and cellular differences that regulate mammalian brain growth and maturation and provides a better understanding of the evolution of mammalian altriciality and presociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Kalusa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maren D Heinrich
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christine Sauerland
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Morawski
- Medical Faculty, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simone A Fietz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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27
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Hou S, Ho WL, Wang L, Kuo B, Park JY, Han YG. Biphasic Roles of Hedgehog Signaling in the Production and Self-Renewal of Outer Radial Glia in the Ferret Cerebral Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:4730-4741. [PMID: 34002221 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neocortex, the center for higher brain function, emerged in mammals and expanded in the course of evolution. The expansion of outer radial glia (oRGs) and intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs) plays key roles in the expansion and consequential folding of the neocortex. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of oRG and IPC expansion is important for understanding neocortical development and evolution. By using mice and human cerebral organoids, we previously revealed that hedgehog (HH) signaling expands oRGs and IPCs. Nevertheless, it remained to be determined whether HH signaling expanded oRGs and IPCs in vivo in gyrencephalic species, in which oRGs and IPCs are naturally expanded. Here, we show that HH signaling is necessary and sufficient to expand oRGs and IPCs in ferrets, a gyrencephalic species, through conserved cellular mechanisms. HH signaling increases oRG-producing division modes of ventricular radial glia (vRGs), oRG self-renewal, and IPC proliferation. Notably, HH signaling affects vRG division modes only in an early restricted phase before superficial-layer neuron production peaks. Beyond this restricted phase, HH signaling promotes oRG self-renewal. Thus, HH signaling expands oRGs and IPCs in two distinct but continuous phases during cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirui Hou
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Wan-Ling Ho
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Bryan Kuo
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jun Young Park
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Young-Goo Han
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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28
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Gilardi C, Kalebic N. The Ferret as a Model System for Neocortex Development and Evolution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:661759. [PMID: 33996819 PMCID: PMC8118648 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.661759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The neocortex is the largest part of the cerebral cortex and a key structure involved in human behavior and cognition. Comparison of neocortex development across mammals reveals that the proliferative capacity of neural stem and progenitor cells and the length of the neurogenic period are essential for regulating neocortex size and complexity, which in turn are thought to be instrumental for the increased cognitive abilities in humans. The domesticated ferret, Mustela putorius furo, is an important animal model in neurodevelopment for its complex postnatal cortical folding, its long period of forebrain development and its accessibility to genetic manipulation in vivo. Here, we discuss the molecular, cellular, and histological features that make this small gyrencephalic carnivore a suitable animal model to study the physiological and pathological mechanisms for the development of an expanded neocortex. We particularly focus on the mechanisms of neural stem cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation, cortical folding, visual system development, and neurodevelopmental pathologies. We further discuss the technological advances that have enabled the genetic manipulation of the ferret in vivo. Finally, we compare the features of neocortex development in the ferret with those of other model organisms.
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29
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Sawada K, Kamiya S, Aoki I. Neonatal valproic acid exposure produces altered gyrification related to increased parvalbumin-immunopositive neuron density with thickened sulcal floors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250262. [PMID: 33878144 PMCID: PMC8057614 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) treatment is associated with autism spectrum disorder in humans, and ferrets can be used as a model to test this; so far, it is not known whether ferrets react to developmental VPA exposure with gyrencephalic abnormalities. The current study characterized gyrification abnormalities in ferrets following VPA exposure during neonatal periods, corresponding to the late stage of cortical neurogenesis as well as the early stage of sulcogyrogenesis. Ferret pups received intraperitoneal VPA injections (200 μg/g of body weight) on postnatal days (PD) 6 and 7. BrdU was administered simultaneously at the last VPA injection. Ex vivo MRI-based morphometry demonstrated significantly lower gyrification index (GI) throughout the cortex in VPA-treated ferrets (1.265 ± 0.027) than in control ferrets (1.327 ± 0.018) on PD 20, when primary sulcogyrogenesis is complete. VPA-treated ferrets showed significantly smaller sulcal-GIs in the rostral suprasylvian sulcus and splenial sulcus but a larger lateral sulcus surface area than control ferrets. The floor cortex of the inner stratum of both the rostral suprasylvian and splenial sulci and the outer stratum of the lateral sulcus showed a relatively prominent expansion. Parvalbumin-positive neuron density was significantly greater in the expanded cortical strata of sulcal floors in VPA-treated ferrets, regardless of the BrdU-labeled status. Thus, VPA exposure during the late stage of cortical neurogenesis may alter gyrification, primarily in the frontal and parietotemporal cortical divisions. Altered gyrification may thicken the outer or inner stratum of the cerebral cortex by increasing parvalbumin-positive neuron density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Sawada
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan
- * E-mail: (KS); (IA)
| | - Shiori Kamiya
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ichio Aoki
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, NIRS, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chib, Japan
- * E-mail: (KS); (IA)
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30
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Maeyama H, Shinmyo Y, Kawasaki H. The expression of aristaless-related homeobox in neural progenitors of gyrencephalic carnivore ferrets. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 26:100970. [PMID: 33732905 PMCID: PMC7941032 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.100970] [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: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) has important functions in the development of various organs including the brain. Mutations of the human ARX gene have been associated with malformations of the cerebral cortex such as microcephaly and lissencephaly. Although the expression patterns of ARX in the lissencephalic cerebral cortex of mice have been intensively investigated, those in expanded gyrencephalic brains remained unclear. Here, we show the expression patterns of ARX in the developing cerebral cortex of gyrencephalic carnivore ferrets. We found that ARX was expressed not only in intermediate progenitor (IP) cells but also in outer radial glial (oRG) cells, which are neural progenitors preferentially observed in the gyrencephalic cerebral cortex. We found that the majority of ARX-positive oRG cells expressed the proliferating cell marker Ki-67. These results may indicate that ARX in oRG cells mediates the expansion of the gyrencephalic cerebral cortex during development and evolution. We investigated the distribution of ARX in the germinal zone of the ferret cerebrum. ARX was abundantly expressed in outer radial glial (oRG) cells. Most of the ARX-positive oRG cells were positive for the proliferation marker Ki-67.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Maeyama
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yohei Shinmyo
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
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31
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Jiang X, Zhang T, Zhang S, Kendrick KM, Liu T. Fundamental functional differences between gyri and sulci: implications for brain function, cognition, and behavior. PSYCHORADIOLOGY 2021; 1:23-41. [PMID: 38665307 PMCID: PMC10939337 DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Folding of the cerebral cortex is a prominent characteristic of mammalian brains. Alterations or deficits in cortical folding are strongly correlated with abnormal brain function, cognition, and behavior. Therefore, a precise mapping between the anatomy and function of the brain is critical to our understanding of the mechanisms of brain structural architecture in both health and diseases. Gyri and sulci, the standard nomenclature for cortical anatomy, serve as building blocks to make up complex folding patterns, providing a window to decipher cortical anatomy and its relation with brain functions. Huge efforts have been devoted to this research topic from a variety of disciplines including genetics, cell biology, anatomy, neuroimaging, and neurology, as well as involving computational approaches based on machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. However, despite increasing progress, our understanding of the functional anatomy of gyro-sulcal patterns is still in its infancy. In this review, we present the current state of this field and provide our perspectives of the methodologies and conclusions concerning functional differentiation between gyri and sulci, as well as the supporting information from genetic, cell biology, and brain structure research. In particular, we will further present a proposed framework for attempting to interpret the dynamic mechanisms of the functional interplay between gyri and sulci. Hopefully, this review will provide a comprehensive summary of anatomo-functional relationships in the cortical gyro-sulcal system together with a consideration of how these contribute to brain function, cognition, and behavior, as well as to mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Tuo Zhang
- School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710129, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Center for Brain and Brain-Inspired Computing Research, School of Computer Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710129, China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- School of Life Science and Technology, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Tianming Liu
- Cortical Architecture Imaging and Discovery Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Bioimaging Research Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605, USA
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32
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Franchini LF. Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Cortical Evolution in Mammals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:591017. [PMID: 33659245 PMCID: PMC7917222 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.591017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The remarkable sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities of mammals mainly depend on the neocortex. Thus, the emergence of the six-layered neocortex in reptilian ancestors of mammals constitutes a fundamental evolutionary landmark. The mammalian cortex is a columnar epithelium of densely packed cells organized in layers where neurons are generated mainly in the subventricular zone in successive waves throughout development. Newborn cells move away from their site of neurogenesis through radial or tangential migration to reach their specific destination closer to the pial surface of the same or different cortical area. Interestingly, the genetic programs underlying neocortical development diversified in different mammalian lineages. In this work, I will review several recent studies that characterized how distinct transcriptional programs relate to the development and functional organization of the neocortex across diverse mammalian lineages. In some primates such as the anthropoids, the neocortex became extremely large, especially in humans where it comprises around 80% of the brain. It has been hypothesized that the massive expansion of the cortical surface and elaboration of its connections in the human lineage, has enabled our unique cognitive capacities including abstract thinking, long-term planning, verbal language and elaborated tool making capabilities. I will also analyze the lineage-specific genetic changes that could have led to the modification of key neurodevelopmental events, including regulation of cell number, neuronal migration, and differentiation into specific phenotypes, in order to shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the diversity of mammalian brains including the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Florencia Franchini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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33
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Kawaguchi A. Neuronal Delamination and Outer Radial Glia Generation in Neocortical Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:623573. [PMID: 33614631 PMCID: PMC7892903 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.623573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During neocortical development, many neuronally differentiating cells (neurons and intermediate progenitor cells) are generated at the apical/ventricular surface by the division of neural progenitor cells (apical radial glial cells, aRGs). Neurogenic cell delamination, in which these neuronally differentiating cells retract their apical processes and depart from the apical surface, is the first step of their migration. Since the microenvironment established by the apical endfeet is crucial for maintaining neuroepithelial (NE)/aRGs, proper timing of the detachment of the apical endfeet is critical for the quantitative control of neurogenesis in cerebral development. During delamination, the microtubule-actin-AJ (adherens junction) configuration at the apical endfeet shows dynamic changes, concurrent with the constriction of the AJ ring at the apical endfeet and downregulation of cadherin expression. This process is mediated by transcriptional suppression of AJ-related molecules and multiple cascades to regulate cell adhesion and cytoskeletal architecture in a posttranscriptional manner. Recent advances have added molecules to the latter category: the interphase centrosome protein AKNA affects microtubule dynamics to destabilize the microtubule-actin-AJ complex, and the microtubule-associated protein Lzts1 inhibits microtubule assembly and activates actomyosin systems at the apical endfeet of differentiating cells. Moreover, Lzts1 induces the oblique division of aRGs, and loss of Lzts1 reduces the generation of outer radial glia (oRGs, also called basal radial glia, bRGs), another type of neural progenitor cell in the subventricular zone. These findings suggest that neurogenic cell delamination, and in some cases oRG generation, could be caused by a spectrum of interlinked mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano Kawaguchi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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34
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Dell' Amico C, Tata A, Pellegrino E, Onorati M, Conti L. Genome editing in stem cells for genetic neurodisorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 182:403-438. [PMID: 34175049 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The recent advent of genome editing techniques and their rapid improvement paved the way in establishing innovative human neurological disease models and in developing new therapeutic opportunities. Human pluripotent (both induced or naive) stem cells and neural stem cells represent versatile tools to be applied to multiple research needs and, together with genomic snip and fix tools, have recently made possible the creation of unique platforms to directly investigate several human neural affections. In this chapter, we will discuss genome engineering tools, and their recent improvements, applied to the stem cell field, focusing on how these two technologies may be pivotal instruments to deeply unravel molecular mechanisms underlying development and function, as well as disorders, of the human brain. We will review how these frontier technologies may be exploited to investigate or treat severe neurodevelopmental disorders, such as microcephaly, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, as well as neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and spinal muscular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Dell' Amico
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Tata
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Enrica Pellegrino
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Host-Pathogen Interactions in Tuberculosis Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Onorati
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luciano Conti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
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35
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Abstract
The mammalian cerebral cortex is the pinnacle of brain evolution, reaching its maximum complexity in terms of neuron number, diversity and functional circuitry. The emergence of this outstanding complexity begins during embryonic development, when a limited number of neural stem and progenitor cells manage to generate myriads of neurons in the appropriate numbers, types and proportions, in a process called neurogenesis. Here we review the current knowledge on the regulation of cortical neurogenesis, beginning with a description of the types of progenitor cells and their lineage relationships. This is followed by a review of the determinants of neuron fate, the molecular and genetic regulatory mechanisms, and considerations on the evolution of cortical neurogenesis in vertebrates leading to humans. We finish with an overview on how dysregulation of neurogenesis is a leading cause of human brain malformations and functional disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Villalba
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München & Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
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36
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Iwashita M, Nomura T, Suetsugu T, Matsuzaki F, Kojima S, Kosodo Y. Comparative Analysis of Brain Stiffness Among Amniotes Using Glyoxal Fixation and Atomic Force Microscopy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:574619. [PMID: 33043008 PMCID: PMC7517470 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.574619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain structures are diverse among species despite the essential molecular machinery of neurogenesis being common. Recent studies have indicated that differences in the mechanical properties of tissue may result in the dynamic deformation of brain structure, such as folding. However, little is known about the correlation between mechanical properties and species-specific brain structures. To address this point, a comparative analysis of mechanical properties using several animals is required. For a systematic measurement of the brain stiffness of remotely maintained animals, we developed a novel strategy of tissue-stiffness measurement using glyoxal as a fixative combined with atomic force microscopy. A comparison of embryonic and juvenile mouse and songbird brain tissue revealed that glyoxal fixation can maintain brain structure as well as paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixation. Notably, brain tissue fixed by glyoxal remained much softer than PFA-fixed brains, and it can maintain the relative stiffness profiles of various brain regions. Based on this method, we found that the homologous brain regions between mice and songbirds exhibited different stiffness patterns. We also measured brain stiffness in other amniotes (chick, turtle, and ferret) following glyoxal fixation. We found stage-dependent and species-specific stiffness in pallia among amniotes. The embryonic chick and matured turtle pallia showed gradually increasing stiffness along the apico-basal tissue axis, the lowest region at the most apical region, while the ferret pallium exhibited a catenary pattern, that is, higher in the ventricular zone, the inner subventricular zone, and the cortical plate and the lowest in the outer subventricular zone. These results indicate that species-specific microenvironments with distinct mechanical properties emerging during development might contribute to the formation of brain structures with unique morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tadashi Nomura
- Developmental Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taeko Suetsugu
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
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37
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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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38
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Baggiani M, Dell’Anno MT, Pistello M, Conti L, Onorati M. Human Neural Stem Cell Systems to Explore Pathogen-Related Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2020; 9:E1893. [PMID: 32806773 PMCID: PMC7464299 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Building and functioning of the human brain requires the precise orchestration and execution of myriad molecular and cellular processes, across a multitude of cell types and over an extended period of time. Dysregulation of these processes affects structure and function of the brain and can lead to neurodevelopmental, neurological, or psychiatric disorders. Multiple environmental stimuli affect neural stem cells (NSCs) at several levels, thus impairing the normal human neurodevelopmental program. In this review article, we will delineate the main mechanisms of infection adopted by several neurotropic pathogens, and the selective NSC vulnerability. In particular, TORCH agents, i.e., Toxoplasma gondii, others (including Zika virus and Coxsackie virus), Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus, will be considered for their devastating effects on NSC self-renewal with the consequent neural progenitor depletion, the cellular substrate of microcephaly. Moreover, new evidence suggests that some of these agents may also affect the NSC progeny, producing long-term effects in the neuronal lineage. This is evident in the paradigmatic example of the neurodegeneration occurring in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Baggiani
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Dell’Anno
- Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza ONLUS, 56017 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Retrovirus Center and Virology Section, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa and Virology Division, Pisa University Hospital, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Luciano Conti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIO, University of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy;
| | - Marco Onorati
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
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39
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Ramos SI, Makeyev EV, Salierno M, Kodama T, Kawakami Y, Sahara S. Tuba8 Drives Differentiation of Cortical Radial Glia into Apical Intermediate Progenitors by Tuning Modifications of Tubulin C Termini. Dev Cell 2020; 52:477-491.e8. [PMID: 32097653 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Most adult neurons and glia originate from radial glial progenitors (RGs), a type of stem cell typically extending from the apical to the basal side of the developing cortex. Precise regulation of the choice between RG self-renewal and differentiation is critical for normal development, but the mechanisms underlying this transition remain elusive. We show that the non-canonical tubulin Tuba8, transiently expressed in cortical progenitors, drives differentiation of RGs into apical intermediate progenitors, a more restricted progenitor type lacking attachment to the basal lamina. This effect depends on the unique C-terminal sequence of Tuba8 that antagonizes tubulin tyrosination and Δ2 cleavage, two post-translational modifications (PTMs) essential for RG fiber maintenance and the switch between direct and indirect neurogenesis and ultimately distinct neuronal lineage outcomes. Our work uncovers an instructive role of a developmentally regulated tubulin isotype in progenitor differentiation and provides new insights into biological functions of the cellular tubulin PTM "code."
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana I Ramos
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Eugene V Makeyev
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Marcelo Salierno
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Takashi Kodama
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yasuhiko Kawakami
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Stem Cell Institute, Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Setsuko Sahara
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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40
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Vaid S, Huttner WB. Transcriptional Regulators and Human-Specific/Primate-Specific Genes in Neocortical Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134614. [PMID: 32610533 PMCID: PMC7369782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, starting from a pool of pluripotent stem cells, tissue-specific genetic programs help to shape and develop functional organs. To understand the development of an organ and its disorders, it is important to understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of the gene expression profiles that occur during its development. Modifications in existing genes, the de-novo appearance of new genes, or, occasionally, even the loss of genes, can greatly affect the gene expression profile of any given tissue and contribute to the evolution of organs or of parts of organs. The neocortex is evolutionarily the most recent part of the brain, it is unique to mammals, and is the seat of our higher cognitive abilities. Progenitors that give rise to this tissue undergo sequential waves of differentiation to produce the complete sets of neurons and glial cells that make up a functional neocortex. We will review herein our understanding of the transcriptional regulators that control the neural precursor cells (NPCs) during the generation of the most abundant class of neocortical neurons, the glutametergic neurons. In addition, we will discuss the roles of recently-identified human- and primate-specific genes in promoting neurogenesis, leading to neocortical expansion.
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41
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Danka Mohammed CP, Khalil R. Postnatal Development of Visual Cortical Function in the Mammalian Brain. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:29. [PMID: 32581733 PMCID: PMC7296053 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to discuss (1) the refinement of mammalian visual cortical circuits and the maturation of visual functions they subserve in primary visual cortex (V1) and other visual cortical areas, and (2) existing evidence supporting the notion of differential rates of maturation of visual functions in different species. It is well known that different visual functions and their underlying circuitry mature and attain adultlike characteristics at different stages in postnatal development with varying growth rates. The developmental timecourse and duration of refinement varies significantly both in V1 of various species and among different visual cortical areas; while basic visual functions like spatial acuity mature earlier requiring less time, higher form perception such as contour integration is more complex and requires longer postnatal time to refine. This review will highlight the importance of systematic comparative analysis of the differential rates of refinement of visual circuitry and function as that may help reveal underlying key mechanisms necessary for healthy visual development during infancy and adulthood. This type of approach will help future studies to establish direct links between various developmental aspects of different visual cortical areas in both human and animal models; thus enhancing our understanding of vision related neurological disorders and their potential therapeutic remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chand Parvez Danka Mohammed
- Biosciences and Bioengineering Research Institute (BBRI), American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Reem Khalil
- Biosciences and Bioengineering Research Institute (BBRI), American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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42
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Cárdenas A, Borrell V. Molecular and cellular evolution of corticogenesis in amniotes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1435-1460. [PMID: 31563997 PMCID: PMC11104948 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cerebral cortex varies dramatically in size and complexity between amniotes due to differences in neuron number and composition. These differences emerge during embryonic development as a result of variations in neurogenesis, which are thought to recapitulate modifications occurred during evolution that culminated in the human neocortex. Here, we review work from the last few decades leading to our current understanding of the evolution of neurogenesis and size of the cerebral cortex. Focused on specific examples across vertebrate and amniote phylogeny, we discuss developmental mechanisms regulating the emergence, lineage, complexification and fate of cortical germinal layers and progenitor cell types. At the cellular level, we discuss the fundamental impact of basal progenitor cells and the advent of indirect neurogenesis on the increased number and diversity of cortical neurons and layers in mammals, and on cortex folding. Finally, we discuss recent work that unveils genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying this progressive expansion and increased complexity of the amniote cerebral cortex during evolution, with a particular focus on those leading to human-specific features. Whereas new genes important in human brain development emerged the recent hominid lineage, regulation of the patterns and levels of activity of highly conserved signaling pathways are beginning to emerge as mechanisms of central importance in the evolutionary increase in cortical size and complexity across amniotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Cárdenas
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain.
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43
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Khakipoor S, Crouch EE, Mayer S. Human organoids to model the developing human neocortex in health and disease. Brain Res 2020; 1742:146803. [PMID: 32240655 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rodent models have catalyzed major discoveries in the neocortex, a brain region unique to mammals. However, since the neocortex has expanded considerably in primates, employing rodent models has limitations. Human fetal brain tissue is a scarce resource with limitations for experimental manipulations. In order to create an experimentally tractable representation of human brain development, a number of labs have recently created in vitro models of the developing human brain. These models, generated using human embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, are called "organoids". Organoids have successfully and rapidly uncovered new mechanisms of human brain development in health and disease. In the future, we envision that this strategy will enable faster and more efficient translation of basic neuroscience findings to therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss the generation of the first human cerebral organoids, progress since their debut, and challenges to be overcome in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoufeh Khakipoor
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elizabeth E Crouch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Simone Mayer
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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44
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Güven A, Kalebic N, Long KR, Florio M, Vaid S, Brandl H, Stenzel D, Huttner WB. Extracellular matrix-inducing Sox9 promotes both basal progenitor proliferation and gliogenesis in developing neocortex. eLife 2020; 9:49808. [PMID: 32191207 PMCID: PMC7105383 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neocortex expansion is largely based on the proliferative capacity of basal progenitors (BPs), which is increased by extracellular matrix (ECM) components via integrin signaling. Here we show that the transcription factor Sox9 drives expression of ECM components and that laminin 211 increases BP proliferation in embryonic mouse neocortex. We show that Sox9 is expressed in human and ferret BPs and is required for BP proliferation in embryonic ferret neocortex. Conditional Sox9 expression in the mouse BP lineage, where it normally is not expressed, increases BP proliferation, reduces Tbr2 levels and induces Olig2 expression, indicative of premature gliogenesis. Conditional Sox9 expression also results in cell-non-autonomous stimulation of BP proliferation followed by increased upper-layer neuron production. Our findings demonstrate that Sox9 exerts concerted effects on transcription, BP proliferation, neuron production, and neurogenic vs. gliogenic BP cell fate, suggesting that Sox9 may have contributed to promote neocortical expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Güven
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nereo Kalebic
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Katherine R Long
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marta Florio
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Samir Vaid
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Holger Brandl
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Denise Stenzel
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
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45
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Abstract
The neocortex is the largest part of the mammalian brain and is the seat of our higher cognitive functions. This outstanding neural structure increased massively in size and complexity during evolution in a process recapitulated today during the development of extant mammals. Accordingly, defects in neocortical development commonly result in severe intellectual and social deficits. Thus, understanding the development of the neocortex benefits from understanding its evolution and disease and also informs about their underlying mechanisms. Here, I briefly summarize the most recent and outstanding advances in our understanding of neocortical development and focus particularly on dorsal progenitors and excitatory neurons. I place special emphasis on the specification of neural stem cells in distinct classes and their proliferation and production of neurons and then discuss recent findings on neuronal migration. Recent discoveries on the genetic evolution of neocortical development are presented with a particular focus on primates. Progress on all these fronts is being accelerated by high-throughput gene expression analyses and particularly single-cell transcriptomics. I end with novel insights into the involvement of microglia in embryonic brain development and how improvements in cultured cerebral organoids are gradually consolidating them as faithful models of neocortex development in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Borrell
- Institute of Neuroscience, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Miguel Hernández, Ramon y Cajal s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
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46
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Oberst P, Fièvre S, Baumann N, Concetti C, Bartolini G, Jabaudon D. Temporal plasticity of apical progenitors in the developing mouse neocortex. Nature 2019; 573:370-374. [PMID: 31462778 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The diverse subtypes of excitatory neurons that populate the neocortex are born from apical progenitors located in the ventricular zone. During corticogenesis, apical progenitors sequentially generate deep-layer neurons followed by superficial-layer neurons directly or via the generation of intermediate progenitors. Whether neurogenic fate progression necessarily implies fate restriction in single progenitor types is unknown. Here we specifically isolated apical progenitors and intermediate progenitors, and fate-mapped their respective neuronal progeny following heterochronic transplantation into younger embryos. We find that apical progenitors are temporally plastic and can re-enter past molecular, electrophysiological and neurogenic states when exposed to an earlier-stage environment by sensing dynamic changes in extracellular Wnt. By contrast, intermediate progenitors are committed progenitors that lack such retrograde fate plasticity. These findings identify a diversity in the temporal plasticity of neocortical progenitors, revealing that some subtypes of cells can be untethered from their normal temporal progression to re-enter past developmental states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Oberst
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabine Fièvre
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Baumann
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Concetti
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Giorgia Bartolini
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Denis Jabaudon
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Clinic of Neurology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
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47
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Sawada K. Follow-up study of subventricular zone progenitors with multiple rounds of cell division during sulcogyrogenesis in the ferret cerebral cortex. IBRO Rep 2019; 7:42-51. [PMID: 31453408 PMCID: PMC6702350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2019.07.1720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The subventricular zone (SVZ) of the developing cerebral cortex appears transiently during cortical neurogenesis and is known as the second proliferative zone that contains intermediate progenitor cells and self-renewable neuronal stem cells-the so-called basal radial glia (bRG). The present study attempted to track the differentiation and migration dynamics of SVZ progenitors undergoing multiple cell divisions at the late stage of neurogenesis in a course of sulcogyrogenesis in the ferret, a gyrencephalic mammal. Ferret pups were given a 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) injection on postnatal day (PD) 5 followed by a 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) injection on PD 7. The 48 h interval between EdU and BrdU injections covered the minimum times for the first and second S-phase of self-renewing bRG. Two h after BrdU injection, EdU/BrdU-double labeled cells were found in the inner or outer SVZ (iSVZ and oSVZ), more than 80% of which were Sox2-positive. Furthermore, 95.8% of EdU/BrdU-double labeled Sox2-positive progenitors in the iSVZ and 84.2% in the oSVZ were also Pax6-positive, defining these progenitors as bRG. On PD 20, all EdU/BrdU-double labeled cells were NeuN-immunopositive, and more than 60% of these were parvalbumin-immunopositive. EdU/BrdU-double labeled neurons were distributed densely in the superficial portion of the outer cortical stratum. Cluster analysis divided the gyral and sulcal regions into higher and lower density groups, respectively, based on the diversity of the cortical density of EdU/BrdU-double labeled neurons. The higher density group included the gyral and sulcal regions of the prefrontal, parietooccipital and/or cingulate cortex, corresponding to cortical regions associated with evolutionary expansion. Although a limited population of neurons within a narrow time window of cortical neurogenesis was tracked, the present findings suggest that neurons derived from bRG at the late stage of neurogenesis express parvalbumin during corticohistogenesis. Due to the diversity of sulcogyral distributions, neurons derived from bRG may be implicated in evolutionary cortical expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Sawada
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki 300-0051, Japan
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48
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Lzts1 controls both neuronal delamination and outer radial glial-like cell generation during mammalian cerebral development. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2780. [PMID: 31239441 PMCID: PMC6592889 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the developing central nervous system, cell departure from the apical surface is the initial and fundamental step to form the 3D, organized architecture. Both delamination of differentiating cells and repositioning of progenitors to generate outer radial glial cells (oRGs) contribute to mammalian neocortical expansion; however, a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms is lacking. Here, we demonstrate that Lzts1, a molecule associated with microtubule components, promotes both cell departure events. In neuronally committed cells, Lzts1 functions in apical delamination by altering apical junctional organization. In apical RGs (aRGs), Lzts1 expression is variable, depending on Hes1 expression levels. According to its differential levels, Lzts1 induces diverse RG behaviors: planar division, oblique divisions of aRGs that generate oRGs, and their mitotic somal translocation. Loss-of-function of lzts1 impairs all these cell departure processes. Thus, Lzts1 functions as a master modulator of cellular dynamics, contributing to increasing complexity of the cerebral architecture during evolution. Outer radial glial cells (oRGs) are undifferentiated cells that divide in the subventricular zone during neurodevelopment, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here the authors show that Lzts1 positively controls both neuronal delamination and generation of oRG-like cell types.
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49
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Suzuki IK. Molecular drivers of human cerebral cortical evolution. Neurosci Res 2019; 151:1-14. [PMID: 31175883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important questions in human evolutionary biology is how our ancestor has acquired an expanded volume of the cerebral cortex, which may have significantly impacted on improving our cognitive abilities. Recent comparative approaches have identified developmental features unique to the human or hominid cerebral cortex, not shared with other animals including conventional experimental models. In addition, genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic signatures associated with human- or hominid-specific processes of the cortical development are becoming identified by virtue of technical progress in the deep nucleotide sequencing. This review discusses ontogenic and phylogenetic processes of the human cerebral cortex, followed by the introduction of recent comprehensive approaches identifying molecular mechanisms potentially driving the evolutionary changes in the cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuo K Suzuki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 Japan; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Institut de Recherches en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), 1070 Brussels, Belgium.
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50
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Roy A, Murphy RM, Deng M, MacDonald JW, Bammler TK, Aldinger KA, Glass IA, Millen KJ. PI3K-Yap activity drives cortical gyrification and hydrocephalus in mice. eLife 2019; 8:45961. [PMID: 31094678 PMCID: PMC6544437 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms driving the initiation of brain folding are incompletely understood. We have previously characterized mouse models recapitulating human PIK3CA-related brain overgrowth, epilepsy, dysplastic gyrification and hydrocephalus (Roy et al., 2015). Using the same, highly regulatable brain-specific model, here we report PI3K-dependent mechanisms underlying gyrification of the normally smooth mouse cortex, and hydrocephalus. We demonstrate that a brief embryonic Pik3ca activation was sufficient to drive subtle changes in apical cell adhesion and subcellular Yap translocation, causing focal proliferation and subsequent initiation of the stereotypic ‘gyrification sequence’, seen in naturally gyrencephalic mammals. Treatment with verteporfin, a nuclear Yap inhibitor, restored apical surface integrity, normalized proliferation, attenuated gyrification and rescued the associated hydrocephalus, highlighting the interrelated role of regulated PI3K-Yap signaling in normal neural-ependymal development. Our data defines apical cell-adhesion as the earliest known substrate for cortical gyrification. In addition, our preclinical results support the testing of Yap-related small-molecule therapeutics for developmental hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achira Roy
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Washington, United States
| | - Rory M Murphy
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Washington, United States
| | - Mei Deng
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Washington, United States
| | - James W MacDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Washington, United States
| | - Theo K Bammler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Washington, United States
| | - Kimberly A Aldinger
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Washington, United States.,Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Washington, United States
| | - Ian A Glass
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Washington, United States
| | - Kathleen J Millen
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Washington, United States.,Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Washington, United States
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