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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
07:03
In Vivo Targeting of Neural Progenitor Cells in Ferret Neocortex by In Utero Electroporation
Published on: May 6, 2020
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Progenitor Hyperpolarization Regulates the Sequential Generation of Neuronal Subtypes in the Developing Neocortex.
Ilaria Vitali1, Sabine Fièvre1, Ludovic Telley1
1Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
Cell
|July 31, 2018
Summary
Developing brain cells called progenitors become more hyperpolarized as they generate new neuron types. This bioelectrical change influences gene expression and neuron development, impacting neocortical diversity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neocortical neuron diversity arises from sequential progenitor divisions during corticogenesis.
- Activity-dependent processes regulate postmitotic neuron differentiation and circuit assembly.
- The role of bioelectrical properties in non-excitable progenitor cells is largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of bioelectrical processes on ventricular zone progenitors during mouse neocortical development.
- To determine how progenitor membrane potential changes influence cell fate and neuronal output.
Main Methods:
- In vivo experimental manipulation of progenitor membrane potential (hyperpolarization) in developing mouse neocortex.
- Analysis of progenitor transcriptional programs and division modes.
- Assessment of neuronal progeny's laminar, molecular, morphological, and circuit features.
Main Results:
- Ventricular zone progenitors exhibit progressive hyperpolarization during successive neuron subtype generation.
- Experimental hyperpolarization induced a shift to a later developmental program in progenitors.
- This included precocious intermediate progenitor generation and advanced neuronal differentiation, mediated by Wnt-beta-catenin pathway inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Bioelectrical membrane properties of progenitors are critical regulators of temporal progression in developmental programs.
- Hyperpolarization influences progenitor transcriptional states and division modes, impacting neocortical neuron diversity.
- This study reveals a novel mechanism linking bioelectricity to molecular pathways controlling corticogenesis and cell fate.
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