Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cells are multipotent and self-renewable cells that can give generate neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. These processes are controlled by multiple basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. bHLH transcription factors also regulate direct reprogramming of adult somatic cells into neurons and oligodendrocytes. Thus, bHLH factors play pivotal roles in development and regeneration of the nervous system. Here, we review essential functions of bHLH factors, especially focusing on the regulatory mechanism through the dynamic expression changes. To precisely analyze the functional roles of dynamic gene expression changes, tools that manipulate gene expression at fine temporal and spatial resolution are needed. We also review novel strategies to optically manipulate gene expression dynamics in neural progenitor cells.
Highlights
The basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factors Hes1, Ascl1/Mash1 and Olig2 facilitate the fate determination of astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes, respectively (Imayoshi and Kageyama 2014)
BHLH transcription factors, whereas the differentiated state correlates with the sustained expression of a single bHLH transcription factor
2 Regulatory Mechanism of Neural Progenitor Cells Revealed by Optical
Summary
The basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors Hes1, Ascl1/Mash1 and Olig2 facilitate the fate determination of astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes, respectively (Imayoshi and Kageyama 2014). Electronic Supplementary Material The online version of this chapter I. Imayoshi (*) Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
