Neural Stem Cells to Cerebral Cortex: Emerging Mechanisms Regulating Progenitor Behavior and Productivity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The development of the cerebral cortex relies on precise neural stem cell (NSC) division patterns.
• Generating a complex brain structure requires the production of diverse cell types in specific quantities and at the correct times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on how neural stem cells (NSCs) divide asymmetrically.
• To explore the mechanisms governing cell fate determination and proliferation during corticogenesis.
• To highlight the importance of understanding these processes for diagnosing and treating brain malformations.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature and studies presented at the 2016 SFN mini-symposium.
• Focus on four key aspects of corticogenesis: cytokinesis, abscission, timing of neurogenesis, and NSC daughter cell generation.
• Analysis of how defects in these processes relate to brain development.

Main Results:

• NSCs exhibit diverse division patterns, producing heterogeneous daughter cells essential for cortical development.
• Coordination of cytokinesis, abscission, and delamination is critical for proper NSC behavior.
• The timing of neurogenesis is indirectly regulated by the emergence of intermediate progenitors.
• Individual NSCs possess the capacity to generate a specific number and laminar fate of cortical neurons.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the intricate mechanisms of NSC division is vital for comprehending normal brain development.
• Defects in these fundamental processes can lead to microcephaly and other severe brain malformations.
• This knowledge is crucial for developing diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for congenital brain disorders.