Transcription factor 4 expression in the developing non-human primate brain: a comparative analysis with the mouse...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) is linked to neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and Pitt-Hopkins syndrome.
• Current TCF4 research relies heavily on mouse models, potentially missing human-specific neurodevelopmental nuances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare TCF4 expression in developing macaque brains with mouse models.
• To identify interspecies differences in TCF4's regional and cellular distribution.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of TCF4 spatial expression.
• Examination across prenatal, neonatal, and young adult stages in both species.

Main Results:

• TCF4 developmental expression is largely conserved between macaques and mice.
• Distinct layered neocortical TCF4 expression observed in macaques, absent in mice.
• Differential expression noted in the dentate gyrus and striatum between species.

Conclusions:

• Interspecies differences in TCF4 expression highlight the need for both rodent and primate models.
• Primate-specific TCF4 patterns offer insights for developing targeted therapies for TCF4-associated disorders.