Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2025
10:48
Differentiation of a Human Neural Stem Cell Line on Three Dimensional Cultures, Analysis of MicroRNA and Putative Target Genes
Published on: April 12, 2015
10.2K
miR-137 and miR-122, two outer subventricular zone non-coding RNAs, regulate basal progenitor expansion and neuronal
Ugo Tomasello1, Esther Klingler2, Mathieu Niquille3
1Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alacant, Spain.
Cell Reports
|February 16, 2022
Summary
Two microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-137 and miR-122, regulate key features of cortical expansion in mice. These findings reveal miRNA-mediated gene expression
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cortical expansion in primates is linked to germinal zone enlargement, particularly the outer subventricular zone (oSVZ) in gyrencephalic species.
- The evolution of the oSVZ and its role in generating neuronal diversity are not fully understood.
- Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), are implicated in regulating developmental genetic programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of specific microRNAs in regulating cellular features of cortical expansion.
- To identify miRNAs expressed in the outer subventricular zone (oSVZ) that influence corticogenesis.
Main Methods:
- In vivo functional genetics in mice.
- Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).
- Live imaging and electrophysiology to assess progenitor and neuronal properties.
Main Results:
- Identified miR-137 and miR-122 as two key miRNAs expressed in the oSVZ.
- miR-137 promotes basal progenitor self-replication and superficial layer neuron fate.
- miR-122 decreases the rate of neuronal differentiation.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNA-mediated gene expression plays a cell-type-specific role in regulating cortical expansion.
- miR-137 and miR-122 are critical regulators of progenitor behavior and neuronal differentiation during corticogenesis.
- These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of larger, more complex brains.
