Opposite regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and Shh signaling pathways by Rack1 controls mammalian cerebellar development

Abstract

The development of the cerebellum depends on intricate processes of neurogenesis, migration, and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and progenitor cells. Defective cerebellar development often results in motor dysfunctions and psychiatric disorders. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the complex development of the cerebellum will facilitate the development of novel treatment options. Here, we report that the receptor for activated C kinase (Rack1), a multifaceted signaling adaptor protein, regulates mammalian cerebellar development in a cell type-specific manner. Selective deletion of Rack1 in mouse NSCs or granule neuron progenitors (GNPs), but not Bergmann glial cells (BGs), causes severe defects in cerebellar morphogenesis, including impaired folia and fissure formation. NSCs and GNPs lacking Rack1 exhibit enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling but reduced Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. Simultaneous deletion of β-catenin in NSCs, but not GNPs, significantly rescues the Rack1 mutant phenotype. Interestingly, Rack1 controls the activation of Shh signaling by regulating the ubiquitylation and stability of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1)/HDAC2. Suppression of HDAC1/HDAC2 activity in the developing cerebellum phenocopies the Rack1 mutant. Together, these results reveal a previously unknown role of Rack1 in controlling mammalian cerebellar development by opposite regulation of Wnt/β-catenin and Shh signaling pathways.