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Zhang Y, Li D, Cai Y, Zou R, Zhang Y, Deng X, Wang Y, Tang T, Ma Y, Wu F, Xie Y. Astrocyte allocation during brain development is controlled by Tcf4-mediated fate restriction. EMBO J 2024:10.1038/s44318-024-00218-x. [PMID: 39300210 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00218-x] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes in the brain exhibit regional heterogeneity contributing to regional circuits involved in higher-order brain functions, yet the mechanisms controlling their distribution remain unclear. Here, we show that the precise allocation of astrocytes to specific brain regions during development is achieved through transcription factor 4 (Tcf4)-mediated fate restriction based on their embryonic origin. Loss of Tcf4 in ventral telencephalic neural progenitor cells alters the fate of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to transient intermediate astrocyte precursor cells, resulting in mislocalized astrocytes in the dorsal neocortex. These ectopic astrocytes engage with neocortical neurons and acquire features reminiscent of dorsal neocortical astrocytes. Furthermore, Tcf4 functions as a suppressor of astrocyte fate during the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells derived from the ventral telencephalon, thereby restricting the fate to the oligodendrocyte lineage in the dorsal neocortex. Together, our findings highlight a previously unappreciated role for Tcf4 in regulating astrocyte allocation, offering additional insights into the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders linked to Tcf4 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yandong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuqun Cai
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rui Zou
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yilan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yafei Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tianxiang Tang
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Feizhen Wu
- Laboratory of Epi-Informatics, Intelligent Medicine Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yunli Xie
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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2
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Ma A, Mu Y, Wei Z, Sun M, Li J, Jiang H, Zhu C, Chen X. SRSF10 regulates migration of neural progenitor cells and granule cells and affects the formation of dentate gyrus during the development of mouse hippocampus. Neuroscience 2024; 552:142-151. [PMID: 38960088 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.06.012] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Hippocampus is a critical component of the central nervous system. SRSF10 is expressed in central nervous system and plays important roles in maintaining normal brain functions. However, its role in hippocampus development is unknown. In this study, using SRSF10 conditional knock-out mice in neural progenitor cells (NPCs), we found that dysfunction of SRSF10 leads to developmental defects in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus, which manifests as the reduced length and wider suprapyramidal blade and infrapyramidal blade.Furthermore, we proved that loss of SRSF10 in NPCs caused inhibition of the differentiation activity and the abnormal migration of NPCs and granule cells, resulting in reduced granule cells and more ectopic granule cells dispersed in the molecular layer and hilus. Finally, we found that the abnormal migration may be caused by the radial glia scaffold and the reduced DISC1 expression in NPCs. Together, our results indicate that SRSF10 is required for the cell migration and formation of dentate gyrus during the development of hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankangzhi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yawei Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Menghan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanyang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuiqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Lim Y. Transcription factors in microcephaly. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1302033. [PMID: 38094004 PMCID: PMC10716367 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1302033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Higher cognition in humans, compared to other primates, is often attributed to an increased brain size, especially forebrain cortical surface area. Brain size is determined through highly orchestrated developmental processes, including neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, lamination, arborization, and apoptosis. Disruption in these processes often results in either a small (microcephaly) or large (megalencephaly) brain. One of the key mechanisms controlling these developmental processes is the spatial and temporal transcriptional regulation of critical genes. In humans, microcephaly is defined as a condition with a significantly smaller head circumference compared to the average head size of a given age and sex group. A growing number of genes are identified as associated with microcephaly, and among them are those involved in transcriptional regulation. In this review, a subset of genes encoding transcription factors (e.g., homeobox-, basic helix-loop-helix-, forkhead box-, high mobility group box-, and zinc finger domain-containing transcription factors), whose functions are important for cortical development and implicated in microcephaly, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngshin Lim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Science Education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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4
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Talley MJ, Nardini D, Ehrman LA, Lu QR, Waclaw RR. Distinct requirements for Tcf3 and Tcf12 during oligodendrocyte development in the mouse telencephalon. Neural Dev 2023; 18:5. [PMID: 37684687 PMCID: PMC10485956 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-023-00173-z] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND E-proteins encoded by Tcf3, Tcf4, and Tcf12 are class I basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) that are thought to be widely expressed during development. However, their function in the developing brain, specifically in the telencephalon remains an active area of research. Our study examines for the first time if combined loss of two E-proteins (Tcf3 and Tcf12) influence distinct cell fates and oligodendrocyte development in the mouse telencephalon. METHODS We generated Tcf3/12 double conditional knockouts (dcKOs) using Olig2Cre/+ or Olig1Cre/+ to overcome compensatory mechanisms between E-proteins and to understand the specific requirement for Tcf3 and Tcf12 in the ventral telencephalon and during oligodendrogenesis. We utilized a combination of in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to address development of the telencephalon and oligodendrogenesis at embryonic and postnatal stages in Tcf3/12 dcKOs. RESULTS We show that the E-proteins Tcf3 and Tcf12 are expressed in progenitors of the embryonic telencephalon and throughout the oligodendrocyte lineage in the postnatal brain. Tcf3/12 dcKOs showed transient defects in progenitor cells with an enlarged medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) region which correlated with reduced generation of embryonic oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and increased expression of MGE interneuron genes. Postnatal Tcf3/12 dcKOs showed a recovery of OPCs but displayed a sustained reduction in mature oligodendrocytes (OLs). Interestingly, Tcf4 remained expressed in the dcKOs suggesting that it cannot compensate for the loss of Tcf3 and Tcf12. Generation of Tcf3/12 dcKOs with Olig1Cre/+ avoided the MGE morphology defect caused by Olig2Cre/+ but dcKOs still exhibited reduced embryonic OPCs and subsequent reduction in postnatal OLs. CONCLUSION Our data reveal that Tcf3 and Tcf12 play a role in controlling OPC versus cortical interneuron cell fate decisions in MGE progenitors in addition to playing roles in the generation of embryonic OPCs and differentiation of postnatal OLs in the oligodendrocyte lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Jo Talley
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Diana Nardini
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Lisa A Ehrman
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ronald R Waclaw
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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5
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Papes F, Camargo AP, de Souza JS, Carvalho VMA, Szeto RA, LaMontagne E, Teixeira JR, Avansini SH, Sánchez-Sánchez SM, Nakahara TS, Santo CN, Wu W, Yao H, Araújo BMP, Velho PENF, Haddad GG, Muotri AR. Transcription Factor 4 loss-of-function is associated with deficits in progenitor proliferation and cortical neuron content. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2387. [PMID: 35501322 PMCID: PMC9061776 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29942-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription Factor 4 (TCF4) has been associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. However, how pathological TCF4 mutations affect the human neural tissue is poorly understood. Here, we derive neural progenitor cells, neurons, and brain organoids from skin fibroblasts obtained from children with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome carrying clinically relevant mutations in TCF4. We show that neural progenitors bearing these mutations have reduced proliferation and impaired capacity to differentiate into neurons. We identify a mechanism through which TCF4 loss-of-function leads to decreased Wnt signaling and then to diminished expression of SOX genes, culminating in reduced progenitor proliferation in vitro. Moreover, we show reduced cortical neuron content and impaired electrical activity in the patient-derived organoids, phenotypes that were rescued after correction of TCF4 expression or by pharmacological modulation of Wnt signaling. This work delineates pathological mechanisms in neural cells harboring TCF4 mutations and provides a potential target for therapeutic strategies for genetic disorders associated with this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Papes
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil.
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Center for Medicinal Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-886, Brazil.
| | - Antonio P Camargo
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Janaina S de Souza
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Vinicius M A Carvalho
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Ryan A Szeto
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Erin LaMontagne
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - José R Teixeira
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Simoni H Avansini
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Sandra M Sánchez-Sánchez
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Thiago S Nakahara
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Carolina N Santo
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
- Center for Medicinal Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-886, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hang Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Barbara M P Araújo
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Paulo E N F Velho
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Gabriel G Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA.
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA) and Archealization (ArchC), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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6
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Transcription factor 4 controls positioning of cortical projection neurons through regulation of cell adhesion. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6562-6577. [PMID: 33963287 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of neural circuits depends on precise neuronal positioning in the cortex, which occurs via a tightly coordinated process of neuronal differentiation, migration, and terminal localization. Deficits in this process have been implicated in several psychiatric disorders. Here, we show that the transcription factor Tcf4 controls neuronal positioning during brain development. Tcf4-deficient neurons become mispositioned in clusters when their migration to the cortical plate is complete. We reveal that Tcf4 regulates the expression of cell adhesion molecules to control neuronal positioning. Furthermore, through in vivo extracellular electrophysiology, we show that neuronal functions are disrupted after the loss of Tcf4. TCF4 mutations are strongly associated with schizophrenia and cause Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, which is characterized by severe intellectual disability. Thus, our results not only reveal the importance of neuronal positioning in brain development but also provide new insights into the potential mechanisms underlying neurological defects linked to TCF4 mutations.
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7
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Isoform-Specific Reduction of the Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor TCF4 Levels in Huntington's Disease. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0197-21.2021. [PMID: 34518368 PMCID: PMC8519306 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0197-21.2021] [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: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder with onset of characteristic motor symptoms at midlife, preceded by subtle cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Transcriptional dysregulation emerges early in the disease course and is considered central to HD pathogenesis. Using wild-type (wt) and HD knock-in mouse striatal cell lines we observed a HD genotype-dependent reduction in the protein levels of transcription factor 4 (TCF4), a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family with critical roles in brain development and function. We characterized mouse Tcf4 gene structure and expression of alternative mRNAs and protein isoforms in cell-based models of HD, and in four different brain regions of male transgenic HD mice (R6/1) from young to mature adulthood. The largest decrease in the levels of TCF4 at mRNA and specific protein isoforms were detected in the R6/1 mouse hippocampus. Translating this finding to human disease, we found reduced expression of long TCF4 isoforms in the postmortem hippocampal CA1 area and in the cerebral cortex of HD patients. Additionally, TCF4 protein isoforms showed differential synergism with the proneural transcription factor ASCL1 in activating reporter gene transcription in hippocampal and cortical cultured neurons. Induction of neuronal activity increased these synergistic effects in hippocampal but not in cortical neurons, suggesting brain region-dependent differences in TCF4 functions. Collectively, this study demonstrates isoform-specific changes in TCF4 expression in HD that could contribute to the progressive impairment of transcriptional regulation and neuronal function in this disease.
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8
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Hu JM, He LJ, Wang PB, Yu Y, Ye YP, Liang L. Antagonist targeting miR‑106b‑5p attenuates acute renal injury by regulating renal function, apoptosis and autophagy via the upregulation of TCF4. Int J Mol Med 2021; 48:169. [PMID: 34278441 PMCID: PMC8285052 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute renal injury (ARI) is a life‑threatening condition and a main contributor to end‑stage renal disease, which is mainly caused by ischemia‑reperfusion (I/R). miR‑106b‑5p is a kidney function‑related miRNA; however, whether miR‑106b‑5p regulates the progression of ARI remains unclear. The present study thus aimed to examine the effects of miR‑106b‑5p antagonist on the regulation of ARI progression. It was found that miR‑106b‑5p expression was upregulated in the renal tissue of rats with I/R‑induced ARI and in NRK‑52E rat renal proximal tubular epithelial cells subjected to hypoxia‑reoxygenation (H/R). In vitro, H/R induction suppressed the proliferation, and promoted the apoptosis and autophagy of NRK‑52E cells, whereas miR‑106b‑5p antagonist (inhibition of miR‑106b‑5p) promoted the proliferation, and attenuated the apoptosis and autophagy of NRK‑52E cells under the H/R condition. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay validated that transcription factor 4 (TCF4) was a target of miR‑106b‑5p. It was further found that TCF4 overexpression promoted the proliferation, and inhibited the apoptosis and autophagy of NRK‑52E cells subjected to H/R. Moreover, the effects of miR‑106b‑5p antagonist on NRK‑52E cell proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy were mediated through the regulation of TCF4. In vivo, miR‑106b‑5p antagonist reduced the severity of renal injury, decreased cell proliferation in renal tissues and lowered the serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in the blood samples from rats with I/R‑induced ARI. On the whole, the findings presented herein demonstrate that miR‑106b‑5p antagonist attenuates ARI by promoting the proliferation, and suppressing the apoptosis and autophagy of renal cells via upregulating TCF4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Meng Hu
- Department of Pathology, The Southern Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Li-Jie He
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Bo Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Ping Ye
- Department of Pathology, The Southern Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, The Southern Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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9
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Santos-Terra J, Deckmann I, Fontes-Dutra M, Schwingel GB, Bambini-Junior V, Gottfried C. Transcription factors in neurodevelopmental and associated psychiatric disorders: A potential convergence for genetic and environmental risk factors. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:545-578. [PMID: 34240460 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous and highly prevalent group of psychiatric conditions marked by impairments in the nervous system. Their onset occurs during gestation, and the alterations are observed throughout the postnatal life. Although many genetic and environmental risk factors have been described in this context, the interactions between them challenge the understanding of the pathways associated with NDDs. Transcription factors (TFs)-a group of over 1,600 proteins that can interact with DNA, regulating gene expression through modulation of RNA synthesis-represent a point of convergence for different risk factors. In addition, TFs organize critical processes like angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier formation, myelination, neuronal migration, immune activation, and many others in a time and location-dependent way. In this review, we summarize important TF alterations in NDD and associated disorders, along with specific impairments observed in animal models, and, finally, establish hypotheses to explain how these proteins may be critical mediators in the context of genome-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
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10
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Chen HY, Bohlen JF, Maher BJ. Molecular and Cellular Function of Transcription Factor 4 in Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:159-167. [PMID: 34134113 DOI: 10.1159/000516666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor 4 (TCF4, also known as ITF2 or E2-2) is a type I basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor. Autosomal dominant mutations in TCF4 cause Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), a rare syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder. In this review, we provide an update on the progress regarding our understanding of TCF4 function at the molecular, cellular, physiological, and behavioral levels with a focus on phenotypes and therapeutic interventions. We examine upstream and downstream regulatory networks associated with TCF4 and discuss a range of in vitro and in vivo data with the aim of understanding emerging TCF4-specific mechanisms relevant for disease pathophysiology. In conclusion, we provide comments about exciting future avenues of research that may provide insights into potential new therapeutic targets for PTHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Ying Chen
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,
| | - Joseph F Bohlen
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brady J Maher
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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11
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Zhang Y, Cai Y, Wang Y, Deng X, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Xie Y. Survival control of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells requires the transcription factor 4 during olfactory bulb development. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:91. [PMID: 33462220 PMCID: PMC7813844 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03371-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A proper number of oligodendrocytes in the nerve system is essential for neuronal functions. In the olfactory bulb (OB), enriched oligodendrocytes are crucial for olfactory information processing. However, how the precise number of oligodendrocytes in the OB is regulated remains elusive. Here we identified that the transcription factor 4 (Tcf4)-mediated cell death is essential for generating an appropriate number of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and thereby oligodendrocytes in the OB. We showed that Nkx2.1-positive progenitors in the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) and anterior entopeduncular area (AEP) provide the first source of OPCs in the OB. Conditional depletion of Tcf4 leads to an increase of OPCs in the OB, which is mediated by the suppression of programmed cell death. Furthermore, we showed that Tcf4 mediated OPC survival is cell-autonomous by transplantation assay. Mechanistically, we identified Bax/Bak as a potential key pathway to promote OPC elimination during OB development. Depletion of Bax/Bak in Nkx2.1 lineage results in an increase of OPCs in the OB. Mutations in TCF4 causes Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Thus, our findings reveal an important intrinsic mechanism underlying the survival control of OPCs in the OB and provide new insights into the pathogenesis of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilan Zhang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yuqun Cai
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yafei Wang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Xin Deng
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory for Public Health Safety, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yubin Zhang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory for Public Health Safety, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yunli Xie
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
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12
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Teixeira JR, Szeto RA, Carvalho VMA, Muotri AR, Papes F. Transcription factor 4 and its association with psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:19. [PMID: 33414364 PMCID: PMC7791034 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01138-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human transcription factor 4 gene (TCF4) encodes a helix-loop-helix transcription factor widely expressed throughout the body and during neural development. Mutations in TCF4 cause a devastating autism spectrum disorder known as Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, characterized by a range of aberrant phenotypes including severe intellectual disability, absence of speech, delayed cognitive and motor development, and dysmorphic features. Moreover, polymorphisms in TCF4 have been associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric and neurological conditions. Details about how TCF4 genetic variants are linked to these diseases and the role of TCF4 during neural development are only now beginning to emerge. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the functions of TCF4 and its protein products at both the cellular and organismic levels, as well as a description of pathophysiological mechanisms associated with this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- José R. Teixeira
- grid.411087.b0000 0001 0723 2494Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ryan A. Szeto
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Vinicius M. A. Carvalho
- grid.411087.b0000 0001 0723 2494Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo Brazil ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Alysson R. Muotri
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Fabio Papes
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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13
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Braun K, Häberle BM, Wittmann MT, Lie DC. Enriched environment ameliorates adult hippocampal neurogenesis deficits in Tcf4 haploinsufficient mice. BMC Neurosci 2020; 21:50. [PMID: 33228529 PMCID: PMC7684915 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-020-00602-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) has been linked to human neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS), autism, and schizophrenia. Recent work demonstrated that TCF4 participates in the control of a wide range of neurodevelopmental processes in mammalian nervous system development including neural precursor proliferation, timing of differentiation, migration, dendritogenesis and synapse formation. TCF4 is highly expressed in the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus – one of the few brain regions where neural stem / progenitor cells generate new functional neurons throughout life. Results We here investigated whether TCF4 haploinsufficiency, which in humans causes non-syndromic forms of intellectual disability and PTHS, affects adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a process that is essential for hippocampal plasticity in rodents and potentially in humans. Young adult Tcf4 heterozygote knockout mice showed a major reduction in the level of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which was at least in part caused by lower stem/progenitor cell numbers and impaired maturation and survival of adult-generated neurons. Interestingly, housing in an enriched environment was sufficient to enhance maturation and survival of new neurons and to substantially augment neurogenesis levels in Tcf4 heterozygote knockout mice. Conclusion The present findings indicate that haploinsufficiency for the intellectual disability- and PTHS-linked transcription factor TCF4 not only affects embryonic neurodevelopment but impedes neurogenesis in the hippocampus of adult mice. These findings suggest that TCF4 haploinsufficiency may have a negative impact on hippocampal function throughout adulthood by impeding hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Braun
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benjamin M Häberle
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marie-Theres Wittmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - D Chichung Lie
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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Kim H, Berens NC, Ochandarena NE, Philpot BD. Region and Cell Type Distribution of TCF4 in the Postnatal Mouse Brain. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:42. [PMID: 32765228 PMCID: PMC7379912 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor 4 is a class I basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor regulating gene expression. Altered TCF4 gene expression has been linked to non-syndromic intellectual disability, schizophrenia, and a severe neurodevelopmental disorder known as Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. An understanding of the cell types expressing TCF4 protein in the mouse brain is needed to help identify potential pathophysiological mechanisms and targets for therapeutic delivery in TCF4-linked disorders. Here we developed a novel green fluorescent protein reporter mouse to visualize TCF4-expressing cells throughout the brain. Using this TCF4 reporter mouse, we observed prominent expression of TCF4 in the pallial region and cerebellum of the postnatal brain. At the cellular level, both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons express TCF4 in the cortex and hippocampus, while only a subset of GABAergic interneurons express TCF4 in the striatum. Among glial cell groups, TCF4 is present in astrocytes and immature and mature oligodendrocytes. In the cerebellum, cells in the granule and molecular layer express TCF4. Our findings greatly extend our knowledge of the spatiotemporal and cell type-specific expression patterns of TCF4 in the brain, and hence, lay the groundwork to better understand TCF4-linked neurological disorders. Any effort to restore TCF4 functions through small molecule or genetic therapies should target these brain regions and cell groups to best recapitulate TCF4 expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Kim
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Noah C. Berens
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nicole E. Ochandarena
- MD-Ph.D. Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Benjamin D. Philpot
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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