Temporal identity transition from Purkinje cell progenitors to GABAergic interneuron progenitors in the cerebellum

Nat Commun. 2014:5:3337. doi: 10.1038/ncomms4337.

Abstract

In the cerebellum, all GABAergic neurons are generated from the Ptf1a-expressing ventricular zone (Ptf1a domain). However, the machinery to produce different types of GABAergic neurons remains elusive. Here we show temporal regulation of distinct GABAergic neuron progenitors in the cerebellum. Within the Ptf1a domain at early stages, we find two subpopulations; dorsally and ventrally located progenitors that express Olig2 and Gsx1, respectively. Lineage tracing reveals the former are exclusively Purkinje cell progenitors (PCPs) and the latter Pax2-positive interneuron progenitors (PIPs). As development proceeds, PCPs gradually become PIPs starting from ventral to dorsal. In gain- and loss-of-function mutants for Gsx1 and Olig1/2, we observe abnormal transitioning from PCPs to PIPs at inappropriate developmental stages. Our findings suggest that the temporal identity transition of cerebellar GABAergic neuron progenitors from PCPs to PIPs is negatively regulated by Olig2 and positively by Gsx1, and contributes to understanding temporal control of neuronal progenitor identities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cerebellum / cytology*
  • Cerebellum / metabolism
  • GABAergic Neurons / cytology*
  • GABAergic Neurons / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Interneurons / cytology*
  • Interneurons / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2
  • Purkinje Cells / cytology*
  • Purkinje Cells / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Olig2 protein, mouse
  • Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2
  • Transcription Factors
  • transcription factor PTF1