The microtubule cytoskeleton of radial glial progenitor cells

A high number of genetic mutations associated with cortical malformations are found in genes coding for microtubule-related factors. This has stimulated research to understand how the various microtubule-based processes are regulated to build a functional cerebral cortex. Here, we focus our review on the radial glial progenitor cells, the stem cells of the developing neocortex, summarizing research mostly performed in rodents and humans. We highlight how the centrosomal and acentrosomal microtubule networks are organized during interphase to support polarized transport and proper attachment of the apical and basal processes. We describe the molecular mechanism for interkinetic nuclear migration (INM), a microtubule-dependent oscillation of the nucleus. Finally, we describe how the mitotic spindle is built to ensure proper chromosome segregation, with a strong focus on factors mutated in microcephaly.