Enhanced phosphorylation of S6 protein in mouse cortical layer V and subplate neurons

The mammalian neocortex is composed of six major layers of neurons. Each group of neurons in the cortical layers has distinct characteristics based on the expression of specific genes and connectivity patterns of neural circuits. Neuronal subtype transition and regional identity acquisition are established by temporal cues and interaction between several transcription factors during neurogenesis. The impairment of cortical lamination or neural circuits results in a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and certain forms of childhood epilepsy. Despite continuous efforts to classify neurons with the aid of genetic and epigenetic analyses, the neuron-specific properties associated with post-transcriptional modification remain unclear. In the present study, the distribution of phosphorylated S6-positive layers across the neocortex was examined using several layer markers. The development of pS6 S235/236 layers in layer V and the subplate was spatiotemporally regulated in the mouse brain. In addition, enhanced phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 in Ctip2-positive layer V neurons in vivo was sustained under in-vitro conditions using a culture of primary cortical neurons.