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Corticothalamic Projection Neuron Development beyond Subtype Specification: Fog2 and Intersectional Controls Regulate
Maria J Galazo1, Jason G Emsley1, Jeffrey D Macklis1
1Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Neuron
|June 21, 2016
Summary
Researchers identified Fog2 as a key gene controlling corticothalamic projection neuron (CThPN) development. Fog2 regulates CThPN differentiation, axonal targeting, and diversity, crucial for neocortical function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Corticothalamic projection neurons (CThPN) are vital for neocortical function but their development and diversity are poorly understood.
- Molecular mechanisms regulating CThPN differentiation and specialization remain largely unknown, hindering comprehension of cortical development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes controlling CThPN differentiation, diversity, and function.
- To functionally analyze the CThPN-specific transcriptional coregulator Fog2 in CThPN development.
Main Methods:
- Identification of genes defining CThPN.
- Functional analysis of Fog2 in CThPN.
- Assessment of Fog2's role in regulating Ctip2 expression and axonal targeting.
Main Results:
- Fog2 regulates CThPN molecular differentiation, axonal targeting, and diversity.
- Fog2 controls CThPN differentiation partly by modulating Ctip2 expression.
- Loss of Fog2 disrupts differentiation of motor-function-specialized CThPN subsets.
Conclusions:
- Fog2 is a critical regulator of corticothalamic projection neuron development and diversity.
- Fog2 coordinates subtype and functional-area differentiation within CThPN populations.
- The identified genes represent key controls over CThPN development.
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