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Kostović I. The enigmatic fetal subplate compartment forms an early tangential cortical nexus and provides the framework for construction of cortical connectivity. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 194:101883. [PMID: 32659318 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The most prominent transient compartment of the primate fetal cortex is the deep, cell-sparse, synapse-containing subplate compartment (SPC). The developmental role of the SPC and its extraordinary size in humans remain enigmatic. This paper evaluates evidence on the development and connectivity of the SPC and discusses its role in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. A synthesis of data shows that the subplate becomes a prominent compartment by its expansion from the deep cortical plate (CP), appearing well-delineated on MR scans and forming a tangential nexus across the hemisphere, consisting of an extracellular matrix, randomly distributed postmigratory neurons, multiple branches of thalamic and long corticocortical axons. The SPC generates early spontaneous non-synaptic and synaptic activity and mediates cortical response upon thalamic stimulation. The subplate nexus provides large-scale interareal connectivity possibly underlying fMR resting-state activity, before corticocortical pathways are established. In late fetal phase, when synapses appear within the CP, transient the SPC coexists with permanent circuitry. The histogenetic role of the SPC is to provide interactive milieu and capacity for guidance, sorting, "waiting" and target selection of thalamocortical and corticocortical pathways. The new evolutionary role of the SPC and its remnant white matter neurons is linked to the increasing number of associative pathways in the human neocortex. These roles attributed to the SPC are regulated using a spatiotemporal gene expression during critical periods, when pathogenic factors may disturb vulnerable circuitry of the SPC, causing neurodevelopmental cognitive circuitry disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivica Kostović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Scientific Centre of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Salata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Vaid S, Camp JG, Hersemann L, Eugster Oegema C, Heninger AK, Winkler S, Brandl H, Sarov M, Treutlein B, Huttner WB, Namba T. A novel population of Hopx-dependent basal radial glial cells in the developing mouse neocortex. Development 2018; 145:dev.169276. [PMID: 30266827 DOI: 10.1242/dev.169276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A specific subpopulation of neural progenitor cells, the basal radial glial cells (bRGCs) of the outer subventricular zone (OSVZ), are thought to have a key role in the evolutionary expansion of the mammalian neocortex. In the developing lissencephalic mouse neocortex, bRGCs exist at low abundance and show significant molecular differences from bRGCs in developing gyrencephalic species. Here, we demonstrate that the developing mouse medial neocortex (medNcx), in contrast to the canonically studied lateral neocortex (latNcx), exhibits an OSVZ and an abundance of bRGCs similar to that in developing gyrencephalic neocortex. Unlike bRGCs in developing mouse latNcx, the bRGCs in medNcx exhibit human bRGC-like gene expression, including expression of Hopx, a human bRGC marker. Disruption of Hopx expression in mouse embryonic medNcx and forced Hopx expression in mouse embryonic latNcx demonstrate that Hopx is required and sufficient, respectively, for bRGC abundance as found in the developing gyrencephalic neocortex. Taken together, our data identify a novel bRGC subpopulation in developing mouse medNcx that is highly related to bRGCs of developing gyrencephalic neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Vaid
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - J Gray Camp
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lena Hersemann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christina Eugster Oegema
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anne-Kristin Heninger
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sylke Winkler
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Holger Brandl
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Mihail Sarov
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara Treutlein
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Takashi Namba
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
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Tonchev AB, Tuoc TC, Rosenthal EH, Studer M, Stoykova A. Zbtb20 modulates the sequential generation of neuronal layers in developing cortex. Mol Brain 2016; 9:65. [PMID: 27282384 PMCID: PMC4901408 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-016-0242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During corticogenesis, genetic programs encoded in progenitor cells at different developmental stages and inherited in postmitotic neurons specify distinct layer and area identities. Transcription factor Zbtb20 has been shown to play a role for hippocampal development but whether it is implicated in mammalian neocortical morphogenesis remains unknown. Results Here, we report that during embyogenesis transcription factor Zbtb20 has a dynamic spatio-temporal expression pattern in mitotic cortical progenitors through which it modulates the sequential generation of cortical neuronal layer identities. Zbtb20 knock out mice exhibited enhanced populations of early born L6-L4 neuronal subtypes and a dramatic reduction of the late born L3/L2 neurons. This defect was due to a temporal misbalance in the production of earlier versus later born neurons, leading to a progressive diminishing of the progenitor pool for the generation of L3-L2 neurons. Zbtb20 implements these temporal effects in part by binding to promoter of the orphan nuclear receptor CoupTF1/Nr2f1. In addition to its effects exerted in cortical progenitors, the postmitotic expression of Zbtb20 in L3/L2 neurons starting at birth may contribute to their proper differentiation and migration. Conclusions Our findings reveal Zbtb20 as a novel temporal regulator for the generation of layer-specific neuronal identities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-016-0242-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton B Tonchev
- Molecular Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg, 37077, Gottingen, Germany. .,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), 37075, Göttingen, Germany. .,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University-Varna, Varna, Bulgaria.
| | - Tran Cong Tuoc
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), 37075, Göttingen, Germany.,Molecular Neurobiology Group, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University of Goettingen Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Eva H Rosenthal
- Molecular Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg, 37077, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Michèle Studer
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, iBV, UMR 7277, F-06108, Nice, France.,Inserm, iBV, U1091, F-06108, Nice, France
| | - Anastassia Stoykova
- Molecular Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg, 37077, Gottingen, Germany. .,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), 37075, Göttingen, Germany. .,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University-Varna, Varna, Bulgaria.
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Arshavsky YI, Deliagina TG, Orlovsky GN. Central Pattern Generators: Mechanisms of Operation and Their Role in Controlling Automatic Movements. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-016-0299-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Tylkowski MA, Yang K, Hoyer-Fender S, Stoykova A. Pax6 controls centriole maturation in cortical progenitors through Odf2. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:1795-809. [PMID: 25352170 PMCID: PMC11114037 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1766-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cortical glutamatergic neurons are generated by radial glial cells (RGCs), specified by the expression of transcription factor (TF) Pax6, in the germinative zones of the dorsal telencephalon. Here, we demonstrate that Pax6 regulates the structural assembly of the interphase centrosomes. In the cortex of the Pax6-deficient Small eye (Sey/Sey) mutant, we find a defect of the appendages of the mother centrioles, indicating incomplete centrosome maturation. Consequently, RGCs fail to generate primary cilia, and instead of staying in the germinative zone for renewal, RGCs detach from the ventricular surface thus affecting the interkinetic nuclear migration and they exit prematurely from mitosis. Mechanistically, we show that TF Pax6 directly regulates the activity of the Odf2 gene encoding for the appendage-specific protein Odf2 with a role for the assembly of mother centriole. Our findings demonstrate a molecular mechanism that explains important characteristics of the centrosome disassembly and malfunctioning in developing cortex lacking Pax6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Tylkowski
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Neurobiology, Department Molecular Cell Biology, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Faßberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kefei Yang
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Developmental Biology, GZMB, Ernst-Caspari-Haus, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sigrid Hoyer-Fender
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Developmental Biology, GZMB, Ernst-Caspari-Haus, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anastassia Stoykova
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Neurobiology, Department Molecular Cell Biology, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Faßberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Rasmussen MB, Nielsen JV, Lourenço CM, Melo JB, Halgren C, Geraldi CVL, Marques W, Rodrigues GR, Thomassen M, Bak M, Hansen C, Ferreira SI, Venâncio M, Henriksen KF, Lind-Thomsen A, Carreira IM, Jensen NA, Tommerup N. Neurodevelopmental disorders associated with dosage imbalance ofZBTB20correlate with the morbidity spectrum of ZBTB20 candidate target genes. J Med Genet 2014; 51:605-13. [DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2014-102535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Paul V, Tonchev AB, Henningfeld KA, Pavlakis E, Rust B, Pieler T, Stoykova A. Scratch2 modulates neurogenesis and cell migration through antagonism of bHLH proteins in the developing neocortex. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [PMID: 23180754 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhs356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Scratch genes (Scrt) are neural-specific zinc-finger transcription factors (TFs) with an unknown function in the developing brain. Here, we show that, in addition to the reported expression of mammalian Scrt2 in postmitotic differentiating and mature neurons in the developing and early postnatal brain, Scrt2 is also localized in subsets of mitotic and neurogenic radial glial (RGP) and intermediate (IP) progenitors, as well as in their descendants-postmitotic IPs and differentiating neurons at the border subventricular/intermediate zone. Conditional activation of transgenic Scrt2 in cortical progenitors in mice promotes neuronal differentiation by favoring the direct mode of neurogenesis of RGPs at the onset of neurogenesis, at the expense of IP generation. Neuronal amplification via indirect IP neurogenesis is thereby extenuated, leading to a mild postnatal reduction of cortical thickness. Forced in vivo overexpression of Scrt2 suppressed the generation of IPs from RGPs and caused a delay in the radial migration of upper layer neurons toward the cortical plate. Mechanistically, our results indicate that Scrt2 negatively regulates the transcriptional activation of the basic helix loop helix TFs Ngn2/NeuroD1 on E-box containing common target genes, including Rnd2, a well-known major effector for migrational defects in developing cortex. Altogether, these findings reveal a modulatory role of Scrt2 protein in cortical neurogenesis and neuronal migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Paul
- Research Group Molecular Developmental Neurobiology, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Rosenthal EH, Tonchev AB, Stoykova A, Chowdhury K. Regulation of archicortical arealization by the transcription factor Zbtb20. Hippocampus 2012; 22:2144-56. [PMID: 22689450 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of regionalization of the medial pallium (MP), the anlage of the hippocampus, and transitional (cingulate and retrosplenial) cortices are largely unknown. Previous analyses have outlined an important role of the transcription factor (TF) Zbtb20 for hippocampal CA1 field specification (Nielsen et al. (2007) Development 134:1133-1140; Nielsen et al. (2010) Cereb Cortex 20:1904-1914; Xie et al. (2010) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 107:6510-6515). Here, we present novel data showing that Zbtb20 exhibits a ventral(high)-to-dorsal(low) gradient of expression in MP progenitors as well as an expression in postmitotic cells at the transitional cortex/neocortex border. Our detailed pattern analysis revealed that in Zbtb20 loss-of-function the molecular borders between neocortical, transitional, and hippocampal fields are progressively shifted ventrally, leading to an ectopic positioning of all dorsal fields into the neighboring ventrally located areas. Thus, in addition to its known importance for the specification of the hippocampal CA1 sector, the graded expression of TF Zbtb20 in ventricular zone of MP appears to translate early positional information for establishment of all developing MP fields. Our data also suggest that the signaling factor Wnt3a is a putative molecular partner of TF Zbtb20 in this patterning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva H Rosenthal
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg, Goettingen, Germany
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Elston GN, Oga T, Okamoto T, Fujita I. Spinogenesis and Pruning in the Anterior Ventral Inferotemporal Cortex of the Macaque Monkey: An Intracellular Injection Study of Layer III Pyramidal Cells. Front Neuroanat 2011; 5:42. [PMID: 21811440 PMCID: PMC3143722 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2011.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyramidal cells grow and mature at different rates among different cortical areas in the macaque monkey. In particular, differences across the areas have been reported in both the timing and magnitude of growth, branching, spinogenesis, and pruning in the basal dendritic trees of cells in layer III. Presently available data suggest that these different growth profiles reflect the type of functions performed by these cells in the adult brain. However, to date, studies have focused on only a relatively few cortical areas. In the present investigation we quantified the growth of the dendritic trees of layer III pyramidal cells in the anterior ventral portion of cytoarchitectonic area TE (TEav) to better comprehend developmental trends in the cerebral cortex. We quantified the growth and branching of the dendrities, and spinogenesis and pruning of spines, from post-natal day 2 (PND2) to four and a half years of age. We found that the dendritic trees increase in size from PND2 to 7 months of age and thereafter became smaller. The dendritic trees became increasingly more branched from PND2 into adulthood. There was a two-fold increase in the number of spines in the basal dendritic trees of pyramidal cells from PND2 to 3.5 months of age and then a 10% net decrease in spine number into adulthood. Thus, the growth profile of layer III pyramidal cells in the anterior ventral portion of the inferotemporal cortex differs to that in other cortical areas associated with visual processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy N Elston
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Sunshine Coast QLD, Australia
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Beckmann J, Vitobello A, Ferralli J, Kenzelmann Brož D, Rijli FM, Chiquet-Ehrismann R. Human teneurin-1 is a direct target of the homeobox transcription factor EMX2 at a novel alternate promoter. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2011; 11:35. [PMID: 21651764 PMCID: PMC3127987 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-11-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Teneurin-1 is a member of a family of type II transmembrane proteins conserved from C.elegans to vertebrates. Teneurin expression in vertebrates is best studied in mouse and chicken, where the four members teneurin-1 to -4 are predominantly expressed in the developing nervous system in area specific patterns. Based on their distinct, complementary expression a possible function in the establishment of proper connectivity in the brain was postulated. However, the transcription factors contributing to these distinctive expression patterns are largely unknown. Emx2 is a homeobox transcription factor, known to be important for area specification in the developing cortex. A study of Emx2 knock-out mice suggested a role of Emx2 in regulating patterned teneurin expression. Results 5'RACE of human teneurin-1 revealed new alternative untranslated exons that are conserved in mouse and chicken. Closer analysis of the conserved region around the newly identified transcription start revealed promoter activity that was induced by EMX2. Mutation of a predicted homeobox binding site decreased the promoter activity in different reporter assays in vitro and in vivo in electroporated chick embryos. We show direct in vivo binding of EMX2 to the newly identified promoter element and finally confirm that the endogenous alternate transcript is specifically upregulated by EMX2. Conclusions We found that human teneurin-1 is directly regulated by EMX2 at a newly identified and conserved promoter region upstream of the published transcription start site, establishing teneurin-1 as the first human EMX2 target gene. We identify and characterize the EMX2 dependent promoter element of human teneurin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Beckmann
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis Research Foundation, Basel, Switzerland
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Stansberg C, Ersland KM, van der Valk P, Steen VM. Gene expression in the rat brain: high similarity but unique differences between frontomedial-, temporal- and occipital cortex. BMC Neurosci 2011; 12:15. [PMID: 21269499 PMCID: PMC3040714 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-12-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The six-layered neocortex of the mammalian brain may appear largely homologous, but is in reality a modular structure of anatomically and functionally distinct areas. However, global gene expression seems to be almost identical across the cerebral cortex and only a few genes have so far been reported to show regional enrichment in specific cortical areas. RESULTS In the present study on adult rat brain, we have corroborated the strikingly similar gene expression among cortical areas. However, differential expression analysis has allowed for the identification of 30, 24 and 11 genes enriched in frontomedial -, temporal- or occipital cortex, respectively. A large proportion of these 65 genes appear to be involved in signal transduction, including the ion channel Fxyd6, the neuropeptide Grp and the nuclear receptor Rorb. We also find that the majority of these genes display increased expression levels around birth and show distinct preferences for certain cortical layers and cell types in rodents. CONCLUSIONS Since specific patterns of expression often are linked to equally specialised biological functions, we propose that these cortex sub-region enriched genes are important for proper functioning of the cortical regions in question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Stansberg
- Dr E. Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway.
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Abstract
The molecular architecture of developing serotonin (5HT) neurons is poorly understood, yet its determination is likely to be essential for elucidating functional heterogeneity of these cells and the contribution of serotonergic dysfunction to disease pathogenesis. Here, we describe the purification of postmitotic embryonic 5HT neurons by flow cytometry for whole-genome microarray expression profiling of this unitary monoaminergic neuron type. Our studies identified significantly enriched expression of hundreds of unique genes in 5HT neurons, thus providing an abundance of new serotonergic markers. Furthermore, we identified several hundred transcripts encoding homeodomain, axon guidance, cell adhesion, intracellular signaling, ion transport, and imprinted genes associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders that were differentially enriched in developing rostral and caudal 5HT neurons. These findings suggested a homeodomain code that distinguishes rostral and caudal 5HT neurons. Indeed, verification studies demonstrated that Hmx homeodomain and Hox gene expression defined an Hmx(+) rostral subtype and Hox(+) caudal subtype. Expression of engrailed genes in a subset of 5HT neurons in the rostral domain further distinguished two subtypes defined as Hmx(+)En(+) and Hmx(+)En(-). The differential enrichment of gene sets for different canonical pathways and gene ontology categories provided additional evidence for heterogeneity between rostral and caudal 5HT neurons. These findings demonstrate a deep transcriptome and biological pathway duality for neurons that give rise to the ascending and descending serotonergic subsystems. Our databases provide a rich, clinically relevant resource for definition of 5HT neuron subtypes and elucidation of the genetic networks required for serotonergic function.
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Abstract
The enlargement and species-specific elaboration of the cerebral neocortex during evolution holds the secret to the mental abilities of humans; however, the genetic origin and cellular mechanisms that generated the distinct evolutionary advancements are not well understood. This article describes how novelties that make us human may have been introduced during evolution, based on findings in the embryonic cerebral cortex in different mammalian species. The data on the differences in gene expression, new molecular pathways and novel cellular interactions that have led to these evolutionary advances may also provide insight into the pathogenesis and therapies for human-specific neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neurobiology and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA.
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Li H, Liu Q, Hu X, Feng D, Xiang S, He Z, Hu X, Zhou J, Ding X, Zhou C, Zhang J. Human ZCCHC12 activates AP-1 and CREB signaling as a transcriptional co-activator. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2009; 41:535-44. [PMID: 19578717 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmp042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse zinc finger CCHC domain containing 12 gene (ZCCHC12) has been identified as a transcriptional co-activator of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, and human ZCCHC12 was reported to be related to non-syndromic X-linked mental retardation (NS-XLMR). However, the details of how human ZCCHC12 involve in the NS-XLMR still remain unclear. In this study, we identified a novel nuclear localization signal (NLS) in the middle of human ZCCHC12 protein which is responsible for the nuclear localization. Multiple-tissue northern blot analysis indicated that ZCCHC12 is highly expressed in human brain. Furthermore, in situ hybridization showed that ZCCHC12 is specifically expressed in neuroepithelium of forebrain, midbrain, and diencephalon regions of mouse E10.5 embryos. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that ZCCHC12 enhanced the transcriptional activities of activator protein 1 (AP-1) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) as a coactivator. In conclusion, we identified a new NLS in ZCCHC12 and figured out that ZCCHC12 functions as a transcriptional co-activator of AP-1 and CREB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
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15
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Functional and evolutionary insights into human brain development through global transcriptome analysis. Neuron 2009; 62:494-509. [PMID: 19477152 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 431] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of the evolution, formation, and pathological disruption of human brain circuits is impeded by a lack of comprehensive data on the developing brain transcriptome. A whole-genome, exon-level expression analysis of 13 regions from left and right sides of the mid-fetal human brain revealed that 76% of genes are expressed, and 44% of these are differentially regulated. These data reveal a large number of specific gene expression and alternative splicing patterns, as well as coexpression networks, associated with distinct regions and neurodevelopmental processes. Of particular relevance to cognitive specializations, we have characterized the transcriptional landscapes of prefrontal cortex and perisylvian speech and language areas, which exhibit a population-level global expression symmetry. We show that differentially expressed genes are more frequently associated with human-specific evolution of putative cis-regulatory elements. These data provide a wealth of biological insights into the complex transcriptional and molecular underpinnings of human brain development and evolution.
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Abstract
In this issue of Neuron, Johnson et al. employ a unique whole-genome exon-level analysis of the developing human brain showing that 76% of genes are expressed along with unexpectedly high levels of differential expression. These results have important consequences for understanding normal and pathological function and provide implications about the uniqueness of being human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Dehay
- Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, Inserm U846, Bron, France.
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Lee KH, Yu DH, Lee YS. Gene expression profiling of rat cerebral cortex development using cDNA microarrays. Neurochem Res 2008; 34:1030-8. [PMID: 18987971 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-008-9867-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2008] [Accepted: 10/04/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A large amount of genetic information is devoted to brain development. In this study, the cortical development in rats at eight developmental time points (four embryonic [E15, E16, E18, E20] and four postnatal [P0, P7, P14, P21]) was studied using a rat brain 10K cDNA microarray. Significant differential expression was observed in 467 of the 9,805 genes represented on the microarray. Two major Gene Ontology classes-cell differentiation and cell-cell signaling-were found to be important for cortical development. Genes for ribosomal proteins, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, and tubulin proteins were up-regulated in the embryonic stage, coincidently with extensive proliferation of neural precursor cells as the major component of the cerebral cortex. Genes related to neurogenesis, including neurite regeneration, neuron development, and synaptic transmission, were more active in adulthood, when the cerebral cortex reached maturity. The many developmentally modulated genes identified by this approach will facilitate further studies of cortical functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
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O'Leary DD, Sahara S. Genetic regulation of arealization of the neocortex. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2008; 18:90-100. [PMID: 18524571 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2008.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2008] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Arealization of the neocortex is controlled by a regulatory hierarchy beginning with morphogens secreted from patterning centers positioned at the perimeter of the dorsal telencephalon. These morphogens act in part to establish within cortical progenitors the differential expression of transcription factors that specify their area identity, which is inherited by their neuronal progeny, providing the genetic framework for area patterning. The two patterning centers most directly implicated in arealization are the commissural plate, which expresses fibroblast growth factors, and the cortical hem, which expresses bone morphogenetic proteins and vertebrate orthologs of Drosophila wingless, the Wnts. A third, albeit putative, patterning center is the antihem, identified by its expression of multiple signaling molecules. We describe recent findings on roles for these patterning centers in arealization. We also present the most recent evidence on functions of the four transcription factors, Emx2, COUP-TFI, Pax6, and Sp8, thus far implicated in arealization. We also describe screens for candidate target genes of these transcription factors, or other genes potentially involved in arealization. We conclude with an assessment of a forward genetics approach for identifying genes involved in determining area size based in part on quantitative trait locus mapping, and the implications for significant differences between individuals in area size on behavioral performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Dm O'Leary
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Pinto L, Mader MT, Irmler M, Gentilini M, Santoni F, Drechsel D, Blum R, Stahl R, Bulfone A, Malatesta P, Beckers J, Götz M. Prospective isolation of functionally distinct radial glial subtypes--lineage and transcriptome analysis. Mol Cell Neurosci 2008; 38:15-42. [PMID: 18372191 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2008.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of radial glia as the source of neurons, their heterogeneity in regard to neurogenesis has been described by clonal and time-lapse analysis in vitro. However, the molecular determinants specifying neurogenic radial glia differently from radial glia that mostly self-renew remain ill-defined. Here, we isolated two radial glial subsets that co-exist at mid-neurogenesis in the developing cerebral cortex and their immediate progeny. While one subset generates neurons directly, the other is largely non-neurogenic but also gives rise to Tbr2-positive basal precursors, thereby contributing indirectly to neurogenesis. Isolation of these distinct radial glia subtypes allowed determining interesting differences in their transcriptome. These transcriptomes were also strikingly different from the transcriptome of radial glia isolated at the end of neurogenesis. This analysis therefore identifies, for the first time, the lineage origin of basal progenitors and the molecular differences of this lineage in comparison to directly neurogenic and gliogenic radial glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Pinto
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Institute of Stem Cell Research, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg/Munich, Germany
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