Growth/differentiation factor 15 controls ependymal and stem cell number in the V-SVZ

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) expression is elevated in the ganglionic eminence (GE) during late neural development, particularly in neural stem cells (NSCs).
• The precise function of GDF15 in the GE remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of GDF15 in regulating cell proliferation and development within the ganglionic eminence.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying GDF15's function in neural stem cells.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of GDF15 receptor expression in the GE.
• GDF15 ablation in embryonic and adult models.
• Assessment of cell proliferation, cell division, and cell fate.
• Investigation of the interplay between GDF15 and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling.

Main Results:

• GDF15 receptor is apically expressed in the GE.
• GDF15 ablation enhances proliferation and cell division in the embryonic GE and adult ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ).
• This leads to transient neurogenesis and a persistent increase in ependymal cells and apical NSCs.
• GDF15 signaling influences EGFR signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

• GDF15 plays a critical role in controlling the proliferation of apical progenitors in the GE.
• GDF15 signaling impacts the homeostasis of ependymal cells and neural stem cells.
• GDF15 acts via EGFR signaling to modulate progenitor cell numbers.