Math1 expression redefines the rhombic lip derivatives and reveals novel lineages within the brainstem and cerebellum

Neuron. 2005 Oct 6;48(1):31-43. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2005.08.024.

Abstract

The rhombic lip (RL) is an embryonic proliferative neuroepithelium that generates several groups of hindbrain neurons. However, the precise boundaries and derivatives of the RL have never been genetically identified. We use beta-galactosidase expressed from the Math1 locus in Math1-heterozygous and Math1-null mice to track RL-derived cells and to evaluate their developmental requirements for Math1. We uncover a Math1-dependent rostral rhombic-lip migratory stream (RLS) that generates some neurons of the parabrachial, lateral lemniscal, and deep cerebellar nuclei, in addition to cerebellar granule neurons. A more caudal Math1-dependent cochlear extramural stream (CES) generates the ventral cochlear nucleus and cochlear granule neurons. Similarly, mossy-fiber precerebellar nuclei require Math1, whereas the inferior olive and locus coeruleus do not. We propose that Math1 expression delimits the extent of the rhombic lip and is required for the generation of the hindbrain superficial migratory streams, all of which contribute neurons to the proprioceptive/vestibular/auditory sensory network.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / deficiency
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Blotting, Western / methods
  • Brain Stem* / cytology
  • Brain Stem* / embryology
  • Brain Stem* / metabolism
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Cerebellum* / cytology
  • Cerebellum* / embryology
  • Cerebellum* / metabolism
  • Cochlea / cytology
  • Cochlea / embryology
  • Cochlea / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Embryonic Development / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
  • Glycoside Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • In Situ Hybridization / methods
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Lac Operon / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Biological
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • Transcription Factors

Substances

  • Atoh1 protein, mouse
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Lhx9 protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • Tbr1 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Glycoside Hydrolases
  • beta-galactanase