Asymmetric centrosome inheritance maintains neural progenitors in the neocortex

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Asymmetric cell division in the neocortex generates both self-renewing progenitors and differentiating cells.
• The mechanisms maintaining distinct behaviors between progenitors and progeny are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of asymmetric centrosome inheritance in regulating progenitor behavior during neocortical development.

Main Methods:

• Studied embryonic mouse neocortex during peak neurogenesis.
• Investigated centrosome duplication and segregation in radial glia progenitors.
• Utilized genetic manipulation to remove ninein, a centriole-specific protein.

Main Results:

• Asymmetric inheritance of centrosomes, based on mother centriole age, was observed.
• Older mother centriole-containing centrosomes were preferentially retained by progenitors in the ventricular zone (VZ).
• Newer mother centriole-containing centrosomes were mostly associated with differentiating cells exiting the VZ.
• Ninein removal disrupted asymmetric centrosome segregation, leading to premature progenitor depletion.

Conclusions:

• Asymmetric centrosome inheritance, specifically of the older mother centriole, is crucial for maintaining radial glia progenitors.
• This mechanism ensures the self-renewal of progenitors and proper neocortical development.