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SOX2 and SOX9 Expression in Developing Postnatal Opossum (Monodelphis domestica) Cortex
Zrinko Baričević1, Marta Pongrac1, Matea Ivaničić1
1Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
Biomolecules
|January 23, 2024
Summary
SOX2, a key transcription factor, persists in developing opossum cortical neurons, suggesting a role in neuronal maturation. SOX9 is found in non-neuronal cells, co-expressed with SOX2.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) development involves dynamic cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Transcription factors SOX2 and SOX9 regulate these critical transitions.
- SOX2 maintains progenitor cells, while SOX9 influences neuron/glia switching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SOX2 and SOX9 expression patterns in the developing opossum (Monodelphis domestica) cortex.
- To validate findings using immunohistochemistry and isotropic fractionator methods.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on fixed cortical tissue.
- Isotropic fractionator method.
- Analysis of dissociated primary neuronal cultures.
Main Results:
- Neurons expressing both neuronal markers (TUJ1, NeuN) and SOX2 were identified across postnatal ages (P4-30).
- SOX9 staining was exclusive to non-neuronal cells and co-expressed with SOX2.
- Findings were consistent across all applied methods and age groups.
Conclusions:
- Persistent SOX2 expression in developing opossum cortical neurons suggests a functional role in neuronal differentiation and maturation.
- This finding was previously unreported in opossums.
- SOX9 expression is restricted to non-neuronal cells in the developing opossum cortex.
