Cortical upper layer neurons derive from the subventricular zone as indicated by Svet1 gene expression

The cerebral cortex is composed of a large variety of different neuron types. All cortical neurons, except some interneurons, are born in two proliferative zones, the cortical ventricular (VZ) and subventricular (SVZ) zones. The relative contribution of both proliferative zones to the generation of the diversity of the cortical neurons is not well understood. To further dissect the underlying mechanism, molecular markers specific for the SVZ are required. Towards this end we performed a subtraction of cDNA libraries, generated from E15.5 and E18.5 mouse cerebral cortex. A novel cDNA, Svet1, was cloned which was specifically expressed in the proliferating cells of the SVZ but not the VZ. The VZ is marked by the expression of the Otx1 gene. Later in development, Svet1 and Otx1 were expressed in subsets of cells of upper (II-IV) and deep (V-VI) layers, respectively. In the reeler cortex, where the layers are inverted, Svet1 and Otx1 label precursors of the upper and deeper layers, respectively, in their new location. Interestingly, in the Pax6/small eye mutant, Svet1 activity was abolished in the SVZ and in the upper part of the cortical plate while the Otx1 expression domain remained unchanged. Therefore, using Svet1 and Otx1 as cell-type-specific molecular markers for the upper and deep cortical layers we conclude that the Sey mutation affects predominantly the differentiation of the SVZ cells that fail to migrate into the cortical plate. The abnormality of the SVZ coincides with the absence of upper layer cells in the cortex. Taken together our data suggest that while the specification of deep cortical layers occurs in the ventricular zone, the SVZ is important for the proper specification of upper layers.     

Cux1 and Cux2 selectively target basal and apical dendritic compartments of layer II‐III cortical neurons

A number of recent reports implicate the differential regulation of apical and basal dendrites in autism disorders and in the higher functions of the human brain. They show that apical and basal dendrites are functionally specialized and that mechanisms regulating their development have important consequences for neuron function. The molecular identity of layer II‐III neurons of the cerebral cortex is determined by the overlapping expression of Cux1 and Cux2. We previously showed that both Cux1 and Cux2 are necessary and nonredundant for normal dendrite development of layer II‐III neurons. Loss of function of either gene reduced dendrite arbors, while overexpression increased dendritic complexity and suggested additive functions. We herein characterize the function of Cux1 and Cux2 in the development of apical and basal dendrites. By in vivo loss and gain of function analysis, we show that while the expression level of either Cux1 or Cux2 influences both apical and basal dendrites, they have distinct effects. Changes in Cux1 result in a marked effect on the development of the basal compartment whereas modulation of Cux2 has a stronger influence on the apical compartment. These distinct effects of Cux genes might account for the functional diversification of layer II‐III neurons into different subpopulations, possibly with distinct connectivity patterns and modes of neuron response. Our data suggest that by their differential effects on basal and apical dendrites, Cux1 and Cux2 can promote the integration of layer II‐III neurons in the intracortical networks in highly specific ways. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 163–172, 2015     

Reduced Cerebral Oxygen Content in the DG and SVZ In Situ Promotes Neurogenesis in the Adult Rat Brain In Vivo

Neurogenesis in the adult brain occurs mainly within two neurogenic structures, the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus and the sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) of the forebrain. It has been reported that mild hypoxia promoted the proliferation of Neural Stem Cells (NSCs)in vitro. Our previous study further demonstrated that an external hypoxic environment stimulated neurogenesis in the adult rat brain in vivo. However, it remains unknown how external hypoxic environments affect the oxygen content in the brain and result in neurogenesis. Here we use an optical fiber luminescent oxygen sensor to detect the oxygen content in the adult rat brain in situ under normoxia and hypoxia. We found that the distribution of oxygen in cerebral regions is spatiotemporally heterogeneous. The Po₂ values in the ventricles (45∼50 Torr) and DG (approximately 10 Torr) were much higher than those of other parts of the brain, such as the cortex and thalamus (approximately 2 Torr). Interestingly, our in vivo studies showed that an external hypoxic environment could change the intrinsic oxygen content in brain tissues, notably reducing oxygen levels in both the DG and SVZ, the major sites of adult neurogenesis. Furthermore, the hypoxic environment also increased the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF, two factors that have been reported to regulate neurogenesis, within the DG and SVZ. Thus, we have demonstrated that reducing the oxygen content of the external environment decreased Po₂ levels in the DG and SVZ. This reduced oxygen level in the DG and SVZ might be the main mechanism triggering neurogenesis in the adult brain. More importantly, we speculate that varying oxygen levels may be the physiological basis of the regionally restricted neurogenesis in the adult brain.     

Comparison of Cortical and White Matter Traumatic Brain Injury Models Reveals Differential Effects in the Subventricular Zone and Divergent Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathways in Neuroblasts and Oligodendrocyte Progenitors

The regenerative capacity of the central nervous system must be optimized to promote repair following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may differ with the site and form of damage. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) maintains neural stem cells and promotes oligodendrogenesis. We examined whether Shh signaling contributes to neuroblast (doublecortin) or oligodendrocyte progenitor (neural/glial antigen 2 [NG2]) responses in two distinct TBI models. Shh-responsive cells were heritably labeled in vivo using Gli1-CreER^T2;R26-YFP bitransgenic mice with tamoxifen administration on Days 2 and 3 post-TBI. Injury to the cerebral cortex was produced with mild controlled cortical impact. Yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) cells decreased in cortical lesions. Total YFP cells increased in the subventricular zone (SVZ), indicating Shh pathway activation in SVZ cells, including doublecortin-labeled neuroblasts. The alternate TBI model produced traumatic axonal injury in the corpus callosum. YFP cells decreased within the SVZ and were rarely double labeled as NG2 progenitors. NG2 progenitors increased in the cortex, with a similar pattern in the corpus callosum. To further test the potential of NG2 progenitors to respond through Shh signaling, Smoothened agonist was microinjected into the corpus callosum to activate Shh signaling. YFP cells and NG2 progenitors increased in the SVZ but were not double labeled. This result indicates that either direct Smoothened activation in NG2 progenitors does not signal through Gli1 or that Smoothened agonist acts indirectly to increase NG2 progenitors. Therefore, in all conditions, neuroblasts exhibited differential Shh pathway utilization compared with oligodendrocyte progenitors. Notably, cortical versus white matter damage from TBI produced opposite responses of Shh-activated cells within the SVZ.     

Interstitial 2q24.3 deletion including SCN2A and SCN3A genes in a patient with autistic features,psychomotor delay,microcephaly and no history of seizures

Mutations in neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel genes SCN1A, SCN2A, and SCN3A may play an important role in the etiology of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders, besides various types of epilepsy. Here we describe a 3-year-old boy with autistic features, language delay, microcephaly and no history of seizures. Array-CGH analysis revealed an interstitial deletion of ~ 291.9 kB at band 2q24.3 disrupting the entire SCN2A gene and part of SCN3A. We discuss the effects of haploinsufficiency of SCN2A and SCN3A on the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders and we propose that this haploinsufficiency may be associated not only with epilepsy, but also with autistic features.     

Functional transcriptome analysis of the postnatal brain of the Ts1Cje mouse model for Down syndrome reveals global disruption of interferon-related molecular networks

Background

The Ts1Cje mouse model of Down syndrome (DS) has partial triplication of mouse chromosome 16 (MMU16), which is partially homologous to human chromosome 21. These mice develop various neuropathological features identified in DS individuals. We analysed the effect of partial triplication of the MMU16 segment on global gene expression in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of Ts1Cje mice at 4 time-points: postnatal day (P)1, P15, P30 and P84.

Results

Gene expression profiling identified a total of 317 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), selected from various spatiotemporal comparisons, between Ts1Cje and disomic mice. A total of 201 DEGs were identified from the cerebellum, 129 from the hippocampus and 40 from the cerebral cortex. Of these, only 18 DEGs were identified as common to all three brain regions and 15 were located in the triplicated segment. We validated 8 selected DEGs from the cerebral cortex (Brwd1, Donson, Erdr1, Ifnar1, Itgb8, Itsn1, Mrps6 and Tmem50b), 18 DEGs from the cerebellum (Atp5o, Brwd1, Donson, Dopey2, Erdr1, Hmgn1, Ifnar1, Ifnar2, Ifngr2, Itgb8, Itsn1, Mrps6, Paxbp1, Son, Stat1, Tbata, Tmem50b and Wrb) and 11 DEGs from the hippocampus (Atp5o, Brwd1, Cbr1, Donson, Erdr1, Itgb8, Itsn1, Morc3, Son, Tmem50b and Wrb). Functional clustering analysis of the 317 DEGs identified interferon-related signal transduction as the most significantly dysregulated pathway in Ts1Cje postnatal brain development. RT-qPCR and western blotting analysis showed both Ifnar1 and Stat1 were over-expressed in P84 Ts1Cje cerebral cortex and cerebellum as compared to wild type littermates.

Conclusions

These findings suggest over-expression of interferon receptor may lead to over-stimulation of Jak-Stat signaling pathway which may contribute to the neuropathology in Ts1Cje or DS brain. The role of interferon mediated activation or inhibition of signal transduction including Jak-Stat signaling pathway has been well characterized in various biological processes and disease models including DS but information pertaining to the role of this pathway in the development and function of the Ts1Cje or DS brain remains scarce and warrants further investigation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-624) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Arid1a regulates neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation during cortical development

ObjectiveNeurodevelopmental diseases are common disorders caused by the disruption of essential neurodevelopmental processes. Recent human exome sequencing and genome‐wide association studies have shown that mutations in the subunits of the SWI/SNF (BAF) complex are risk factors for neurodevelopmental diseases. Clinical studies have found that ARID1A (BAF250a) is the most frequently mutated SWI/SNF gene and its mutations lead to mental retardation and microcephaly. However, the function of ARID1A in brain development and its underlying mechanisms still remain elusive.MethodsThe present study used Cre/loxP system to generate an Arid1a conditional knockout mouse line. Cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cell differentiation of NSPCs were studied by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, RNA‐seq and RT‐PCR were performed to dissect the molecular mechanisms of Arid1a underlying cortical neurogenesis. Finally, rescue experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Neurod1 or Fezf2 overexpression on the differentiation of NSPCs in vitro.ResultsConditional knockout of Arid1a reduces cortical thickness in the developing cortex. Arid1a loss of function inhibits the proliferation of radial glial cells, and increases cell death during late cortical development, and leads to dysregulated expression of genes associated with proliferation and differentiation. Overexpression of Neurod1 or Fezf2 in Arid1a cKO NSPCs rescues their neural differentiation defect in vitro.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates for the first time that Arid1a plays an important role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of NSPCs during cortical development, and proposes several gene candidates that are worth to understand the pathological mechanisms and to develop novel interventions of neurodevelopment disorders caused by Arid1a mutations.     

Protective action of glutamate antibodies on increased expression of genes of programmed death of rat brain cells induced by injection of a β-amyloid fragment (25–35)

Glutamate antibodies intranasally administered to Wistar rats at a dose of 300 μg/kg reduced the elevated levels of expression of Aifml, Casp3, and Parp1 genes in the prefrontal cortex and Aifml and Casp3 genes in the hippocampus on the third day after administration of the β-amyloid fragment Aβ_25–35 into the Meynert nuclei of the brain. Changes in Aifm1, Bax, Casp3, and Parp1 gene expression were not found in the hypothalamus, and changes in Bax gene expression were not found in the brain structures studied. The discovered features of gene expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus are considered in terms of development of various cell-death programs, which are modulated by glutamate antibodies.     

Murine neural stem cells model Hunter disease in vitro: glial cell-mediated neurodegeneration as a possible mechanism involved

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPSII or Hunter Syndrome) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficit of iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) activity and characterized by progressive systemic and neurological impairment. As the early mechanisms leading to neuronal degeneration remain elusive, we chose to examine the properties of neural stem cells (NSCs) isolated from an animal model of the disease in order to evaluate whether their neurogenic potential could be used to recapitulate the early phases of neurogenesis in the brain of Hunter disease patients. Experiments here reported show that NSCs derived from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of early symptomatic IDS-knockout (IDS-ko) mouse retained self-renewal capacity in vitro, but differentiated earlier than wild-type (wt) cells, displaying an evident lysosomal aggregation in oligodendroglial and astroglial cells. Consistently, the SVZ of IDS-ko mice appeared similar to the wt SVZ, whereas the cortex and striatum presented a disorganized neuronal pattern together with a significant increase of glial apoptotic cells, suggesting that glial degeneration likely precedes neuronal demise. Interestingly, a very similar pattern was observed in the brain cortex of a Hunter patient. These observations both in vitro, in our model, and in vivo suggest that IDS deficit seems to affect the late phases of neurogenesis and/or the survival of mature cells rather than NSC self-renewal. In particular, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α-positive (PDGFR-α+) glial progenitors appeared reduced in both the IDS-ko NSCs and in the IDS-ko mouse and human Hunter brains, compared with the respective healthy controls. Treatment of mutant NSCs with IDS or PDGF throughout differentiation was able to increase the number of PDGFR-α+ cells and to reduce that of apoptotic cells to levels comparable to wt. This evidence supports IDS-ko NSCs as a reliable in vitro model of the disease, and suggests the rescue of PDGFR-α+ glial cells as a therapeutic strategy to prevent neuronal degeneration.     

Comparative gene expression analysis of the engulfment and cell motility (ELMO) protein family in the mouse brain

Engulfment and cell motility (ELMO) proteins bind to Dock180, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) of the Rac family, and regulate GEF activity. The resultant ELMO/Dock180/Rac module regulates cytoskeletal reorganization responsible for the engulfment of apoptotic cells, cell migration, and neurite extension. The expression and function of Elmo family proteins in the nervous system, however, are not yet fully understood. Here, we characterize the comparative gene expression profiles of three Elmo family members (Elmo1, Elmo2, and Elmo3) in the brain of C57BL/6J mice, a widely used inbred strain, together with reeler mutant mice to understand gene expression in normal laminated brain areas compared with abnormal areas. Although all three Elmo genes showed widespread mRNA expression over various mouse tissues tested, Elmo1 and Elmo2 were the major types expressed in the brain, and three Elmo genes were up-regulated between the first postnatal week (infant stage) and the third postnatal week (juvenile, weaning stage). In addition, the mRNAs of Elmo genes showed distinct distribution patterns in various brain areas and cell-types; such as neurons including inhibitory interneurons as well as some non-neuronal cells. In the cerebral cortex, the three Elmo genes were widely expressed over many cortical regions, but the predominant areas of Elmo1 and Elmo2 expression tended to be distributed unevenly in the deep (a lower part of the VI) and superficial (II/III) layers, respectively, which also changed depending on the cortical areas and postnatal stages. In the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, Elmo2 was expressed in dentate granule cells more in the mature stage rather than the immature-differentiating stage. In the thalamus, Elmo1 but not the other members was highly expressed in many nuclei. In the medial habenula, Elmo2 and Elmo3 were expressed at intermediate levels. In the cerebellar cortex, Elmo1 and Elmo2 were expressed in differentiating-mature granule cells and mature granule cells, respectively. In the Purkinje cell layer, Elmo1 and Elmo2 were expressed in Purkinje cells and Bergmann glia, respectively. Disturbed cellular distributions and laminar structures caused by the reeler mutation did not severely change expression in these cell types despite the disturbed cellular distributions and laminar structures, including those of the cerebrum, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Taken together, these results suggested that these three Elmo family members share their functional roles in various brain regions during prenatal-postnatal development.     

Association of polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolism genes with childhood atopic diseases in Russian patients from Bashkortostan

Biotransformation enzymes involved in the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous compounds efficiently protect the organism from harmful environmental factors. Decreased activity or insufficient synthesis of biotransformation enzymes due to genetic polymorphism is a risk factor for various complex diseases, including atopy. Allele-specific hybridization on a biochip was used to evaluate the frequencies of xenobiotic metabolism gene polymorphisms in children with bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and in healthy donors, all residents of the Republic of Bashkortostan of Russian descent. Polymorphisms of CYP1A1, GSTT1, GSTM1, NAT2, MTHFR, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 were not associated with atopic diseases in children. The genotype CYP2D6*1934G/G and the allele CYP2D6*1934G were associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis in boys.     

Expression patterns of homeobox genes in the mouse vomeronasal organ at postnatal stages

Homeodomain proteins are encoded by homeobox genes and regulate development and differentiation in many neuronal systems. The mouse vomeronasal organ (VNO) generates in situ mature chemosensory neurons from stem cells. The roles of homeodomain proteins in neuronal differentiation in the VNO are poorly understood. Here we have characterized the expression patterns of 28 homeobox genes in the VNO of C57BL/6 mice at postnatal stages using multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization. We identified 11 homeobox genes (Dlx3, Dlx4, Emx2, Lhx2, Meis1, Pbx3, Pknox2, Pou6f1, Tshz2, Zhx1, Zhx3) that were expressed exclusively in neurons; 4 homeobox genes (Pax6, Six1, Tgif1, Zfhx3) that were expressed in all non-neuronal cell populations, with Pax6, Six1 and Tgif1 also expressed in some neuronal progenitors and precursors; 12 homeobox genes (Adnp, Cux1, Dlx5, Dlx6, Meis2, Pbx2, Pknox1, Pou2f1, Satb1, Tshz1, Tshz3, Zhx2) with expression in both neuronal and non-neuronal cell populations; and one homeobox gene (Hopx) that was exclusively expressed in the non-sensory epithelium. We studied further in detail the expression of Emx2, Lhx2, Meis1, and Meis2. We found that expression of Emx2 and Lhx2 initiated between neuronal progenitor and neuronal precursor stages. As far as the sensory neurons of the VNO are concerned, Meis1 and Meis2 were only expressed in the apical layer, together with Gnai2, but not in the basal layer.     

A new C21 steroidal compound from the whole herb of Pachysandra terminalis Sieb. et Zucc

A new C21 steroidal compound (1), along with 12 known compounds (2–13) were isolated from the whole herb of Pachysandra terminalis Sieb. et Zucc. Their structures were determined by extensive analysis using various spectroscopic techniques. Notably, compound 6 was reported for the first time from P. terminalis, and compounds 3–5, 7 and 9 were isolated from the family Buxaceae for the first time.