Related Experiment Videos
Cell fate specification and symmetrical/asymmetrical divisions in the developing cerebral cortex
M C Mione1, J F Cavanagh, B Harris
1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
Summary
Progenitor cells in the cerebral cortex use symmetrical or asymmetrical cell division to create neurons and glia. Non-pyramidal neurons disperse due to migration or cell death, unlike clustered pyramidal neurons and astrocytes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Progenitor cells in the cerebral cortex divide symmetrically or asymmetrically.
- Symmetrical division yields more progenitors or postmitotic cells.
- Asymmetrical division produces one progenitor and one postmitotic cell.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate cell generation patterns in the rat cerebral cortex.
- Determine the relationship between cell phenotype and lineage history.
- Analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of clonally related cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the BAG retrovirus as a lineage marker in embryonic day 16 rats.
- Combined lineage tracing with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling.
- Studied cell location, phenotype, and birth order over 3 weeks.
Main Results:
- Pyramidal neurons and astrocytes formed discrete, multi-generational clusters.
- Non-pyramidal neurons were found in pairs or singly.
- Analysis indicated non-pyramidal neurons originated from larger clones and dispersed via migration or cell death.
Conclusions:
- Progenitor cells employ both symmetrical and asymmetrical divisions for cortical neuron and glial generation.
- Cell-extrinsic factors, such as migration and cell death, contribute to the isolation of non-pyramidal neurons.