Transformation of pin-like ventricular zone cells into cortical neurons

Recent imaging studies revealed that neocortical neurons undergo multiple modes of migration, but their earliest morphologies and behaviors remain unclear. We found that some neurons generated at the ventricular surface initially adopt a pin-like morphology and generally lack a leading process. During abventricular nuclear movement, their centrosomes are localized to the ventricular endfoot. Their detachment from the germinal zone is accomplished by retraction of the ventricular process, which is frequently accompanied by an adventricular somal movement, suggesting that a pulling force within the process might function to contract the cell. Subsequently, they become multipolar upon entry into the subventricular zone.