Epigenetic and Transcriptional Pre-patterning-An Emerging Theme in Cortical Neurogenesis

Overview

Journal Front Neurosci

Date 2018 Jun 14

PMID 29896084

Citations 17

Authors

Mareike Albert

Wieland B Huttner

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Neurogenesis is the process through which neural stem and progenitor cells generate neurons. During the development of the mouse neocortex, stem and progenitor cells sequentially give rise to neurons destined to different cortical layers and then switch to gliogenesis resulting in the generation of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Precise spatial and temporal regulation of neural progenitor differentiation is key for the proper formation of the complex structure of the neocortex. Dynamic changes in gene expression underlie the coordinated differentiation program, which enables the cells to generate the RNAs and proteins required at different stages of neurogenesis and across different cell types. Here, we review the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms, with a focus on Polycomb proteins, to the regulation of gene expression programs during mouse neocortical development. Moreover, we discuss the recent emerging concept of epigenetic and transcriptional pre-patterning in neocortical progenitor cells as well as post-transcriptional mechanisms for the fine-tuning of mRNA abundance.

Citing Articles

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The role of transcriptional and epigenetic modifications in astrogliogenesis.

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Menin Deficiency Induces Autism-Like Behaviors by Regulating Foxg1 Transcription and Participates in Foxg1-Related Encephalopathy.

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The growth factor EPIREGULIN promotes basal progenitor cell proliferation in the developing neocortex.

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