Proneural Genes Research Articles

Proper connectivity of Drosophila motion detector neurons requires Atonal function in progenitor cells

BackgroundVertebrates and invertebrates obtain visual motion information by channeling moving visual cues perceived by the retina through specific motion sensitive synaptic relays in the brain. In Drosophila, the series of synaptic relays forming the optic lobe are known as the lamina, medulla, lobula and lobula plate neuropiles. The fly’s motion detection output neurons, called the T4 and T5 cells, reside in the lobula plate. Adult optic lobe neurons are derived from larval neural progenitors in two proliferating compartments known as the outer and inner proliferation centers (OPC and IPC). Important insight has been gained into molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the lamina and medulla from the OPC, though less is known about the development of the lobula and lobula plate.ResultsHere we show that the proneural gene Atonal is expressed in a subset of IPC progenitors that give rise to the higher order motion detection neurons, T4 and T5, of the lobula plate. We also show that Atonal does not act as a proneural gene in this context. Rather, it is required specifically in IPC neural progenitors to regulate neurite outgrowth in the neuronal progeny.ConclusionsOur findings reveal that a proneural gene is expressed in progenitors but is required for neurite development of their progeny neurons. This suggests that transcriptional programs initiated specifically in progenitors are necessary for subsequent neuronal morphogenesis.

Chapter Two - Proneural bHLH Genes in Development and Disease

Proneural genes encode evolutionarily conserved basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factors. In Drosophila, proneural genes are required and sufficient to confer a neural identity onto naïve ectodermal cells, inducing delamination and subsequent neuronal differentiation. In vertebrates, proneural genes are expressed in cells that already have a neural identity, but they are still required and sufficient to initiate neurogenesis. In all organisms, proneural genes control neurogenesis by regulating Notch-mediated lateral inhibition and initiating the expression of downstream differentiation genes. The general mode of proneural gene function has thus been elucidated. However, the regulatory mechanisms that spatially and temporally control proneural gene function are only beginning to be deciphered. Understanding how proneural gene function is regulated is essential, as aberrant proneural gene expression has recently been linked to a variety of human diseases-ranging from cancer to neuropsychiatric illnesses and diabetes. Recent insights into proneural gene function in development and disease are highlighted herein.

Neurogenin 2 Converts Mesenchymal Stem Cells into a Neural Precursor Fate and Improves Functional Recovery after Experimental Stroke

Background: Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) is a proneural gene that directs neuronal differentiation of progenitor cells during development. Here, we investigated whether Ngn2 can reprogram MSCs to adopt a neural precursor fate and enhance the therapeutic effects of MSCs after experimental stroke. Methods: In vitro, MSCs were transfected with lenti-GFP or lenti-Ngn2. Following neuronal induction, cells were identified by immunocytochemistry, Western blot and electrophysiological analyses. In a stroke model induced by transient right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), PBS, GFP-MSCs or Ngn2-MSCs were injected 1 day after MCAO. Behavioral tests, neurological and immunohistochemical assessments were performed. Results: In vitro, Ngn2-MSCs expressed neural stem cells markers (Pax6 and nestin) and lost the potential to differentiate into mesodermal cell types. Following neural induction, Ngn2-MSCs expressed higher levels of neuron-specific proteins MAP2, Tuj1 and NeuN, and also expressed voltage-gated Na+ channel, which was absent in GFP-MSCs. In vivo, after transplantation, Ngn2-MSCs significantly reduced apoptotic cells, decreased infarct volume, and increased the expression of VEGF and BDNF. Finally, Ngn2-MSCs treated animals showed the highest functional recovery among the three groups. Conclusions: Ngn2 was sufficient to convert MSCs into a neural precursor fate and transplantation of Ngn2-MSCs was advantageous for the treatment of stroke rats.

MicroRNA-mediated regulation of the neurogenic-to-gliogenic competence transition of neural stem/progenitor cells

Multipotent neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) produce various types of neurons and glial cells during the development of the central nervous system (CNS); however, NSPCs are not always able to generate all types of neural cells. The formation of complex neural networks relies on proper cytogenesis from NSPCs, which is under strict spatiotemporal regulation by intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. The neurogenesis-to-gliogenesis switch, a major event during CNS development, is largely dependent on the cell-autonomous temporal specification of NSPCs. The results of several previous studies suggest that developmental stage-dependent changes in the epigenetic status of proneural and astrocytic genes correlate with the temporal identity transition of developing NSPCs. These changes are related to alterations in the responsiveness of NSPCs to extrinsic neurogenic or gliogenic factors. Here, we discuss our recent findings that microRNA-mediated regulation of competence and relationships between multi-layered mo...

A High Notch Pathway Activation Predicts Response to γ Secretase Inhibitors in Proneural Subtype of Glioma Tumor-Initiating Cells

Genomic, transcriptional, and proteomic analyses of brain tumors reveal subtypes that differ in pathway activity, progression, and response to therapy. However, a number of small molecule inhibitors under development vary in strength of subset and pathway-specificity, with molecularly targeted experimental agents tending toward stronger specificity. The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that plays an important role in multiple cellular and developmental processes. We investigated the effects of Notch pathway inhibition in glioma tumor-initiating cell (GIC, hereafter GIC) populations using γ secretase inhibitors. Drug cytotoxicity testing of 16 GICs showed differential growth responses to the inhibitors, stratifying GICs into responders and nonresponders. Responder GICs had an enriched proneural gene signature in comparison to nonresponders. Also gene set enrichment analysis revealed 17 genes set representing active Notch signaling components NOTCH1, NOTCH3, HES1, MAML1, DLL-3, JAG2, and so on, enriched in responder group. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas expression dataset identified a group (43.9%) of tumors with proneural signature showing high Notch pathway activation suggesting γ secretase inhibitors might be of potential value to treat that particular group of proneural glioblastoma (GBM). Inhibition of Notch pathway by γ secretase inhibitor treatment attenuated proliferation and self-renewal of responder GICs and induces both neuronal and astrocytic differentiation. In vivo evaluation demonstrated prolongation of median survival in an intracranial mouse model. Our results suggest that proneural GBM characterized by high Notch pathway activation may exhibit greater sensitivity to γ secretase inhibitor treatment, holding a promise to improve the efficiency of current glioma therapy.

The bristle patterning genes hairy and extramacrochaetae regulate the development of structures required for flight in Diptera

The distribution of sensory bristles on the thorax of Diptera (true flies) provides a useful model for the study of the evolution of spatial patterns. Large bristles called macrochaetes are arranged into species-specific stereotypical patterns determined via spatially discrete expression of the proneural genes achaete–scute (ac–sc). In Drosophila ac-sc expression is regulated by transcriptional activation at sites where bristle precursors develop and by repression outside of these sites. Three genes, extramacrochaetae (emc), hairy (h) and stripe (sr), involved in repression have been documented. Here we demonstrate that in Drosophila, the repressor genes emc and h, like sr, play an essential role in the development of structures forming part of the flight apparatus. In addition we find that, in Calliphora vicina a species diverged from D. melanogaster by about 100Myr, spatial expression of emc, h and sr is conserved at the location of development of those structures. Based on these findings we argue, first, that the role emc, h and sr in development of the flight apparatus preceded their activities for macrochaete patterning; second, that species-specific variation in activation and repression of ac-sc expression is evolving in parallel to establish a unique distribution of macrochaetes in each species.

MiR-9a Minimizes the Phenotypic Impact of Genomic Diversity by Buffering a Transcription Factor

Gene expression has to withstand stochastic, environmental, and genomic perturbations. For example, in the latter case, 0.5%-1% of the human genome is typically variable between any two unrelated individuals. Such diversity might create problematic variability in the activity of gene regulatory networks and, ultimately, in cell behaviors. Using multigenerational selection experiments, we find that for the Drosophila proneural network, the effect of genomic diversity is dampened by miR-9a-mediated regulation of senseless expression. Reducing miR-9a regulation of the Senseless transcription factor frees the genomic landscape to exert greater phenotypic influence. Whole-genome sequencing identified genomic loci that potentially exert such effects. A larger set of sequence variants, including variants within proneural network genes, exhibits these characteristics when miR-9a concentration is reduced. These findings reveal that microRNA-target interactions may be a key mechanism by which the impact of genomic diversity on cell behavior is dampened.

Novel genes upregulated when NOTCH signalling is disrupted during hypothalamic development

BackgroundThe generation of diverse neuronal types and subtypes from multipotent progenitors during development is crucial for assembling functional neural circuits in the adult central nervous system. It is well known that the Notch signalling pathway through the inhibition of proneural genes is a key regulator of neurogenesis in the vertebrate central nervous system. However, the role of Notch during hypothalamus formation along with its downstream effectors remains poorly defined.ResultsHere, we have transiently blocked Notch activity in chick embryos and used global gene expression analysis to provide evidence that Notch signalling modulates the generation of neurons in the early developing hypothalamus by lateral inhibition. Most importantly, we have taken advantage of this model to identify novel targets of Notch signalling, such as Tagln3 and Chga, which were expressed in hypothalamic neuronal nuclei.ConclusionsThese data give essential advances into the early generation of neurons in the hypothalamus. We demonstrate that inhibition of Notch signalling during early development of the hypothalamus enhances expression of several new markers. These genes must be considered as important new targets of the Notch/proneural network.

Onset of atonal expression in Drosophila retinal progenitors involves redundant and synergistic contributions of Ey/Pax6 and So binding sites within two distant enhancers

Proneural transcription factors drive the generation of specialized neurons during nervous system development, and their dynamic expression pattern is critical to their function. The activation of the proneural gene atonal (ato) in the Drosophila eye disc epithelium represents a critical step in the transition from retinal progenitor cell to developing photoreceptor neuron. We show here that the onset of ato transcription depends on two distant enhancers that function differently in subsets of retinal progenitor cells. A detailed analysis of the crosstalk between these enhancers identifies a critical role for three binding sites for the Retinal Determination factors Eyeless (Ey) and Sine oculis (So). We show how these sites interact to induce ato expression in distinct regions of the eye field and confirm them to be occupied by endogenous Ey and So proteins in vivo. Our study suggests that Ey and So operate differently through the same 3′ cis-regulatory sites in distinct populations of retinal progenitors.

The ETS transcription factor Etv1 mediates FGF signaling to initiate proneural gene expression during Xenopus laevis retinal development

Fibroblast growth factor signaling plays a significant role in the developing eye, regulating both patterning and neurogenesis. Members of the Pea3/Etv4-subfamily of ETS-domain transcription factors (Etv1, Etv4, and Etv5) are transcriptional activators that are downstream targets of FGF/MAPK signaling, but whether they are required for eye development is unknown. We show that in the developing Xenopus laevis retina, etv1 is transiently expressed at the onset of retinal neurogenesis. We found that etv1 is not required for eye specification, but is required for the expression of atonal-related proneural bHLH transcription factors, and is also required for retinal neuron differentiation. Using transgenic reporters we show that the distal atoh7 enhancer, which is required for the initiation of atoh7 expression in the Xenopus retina, is responsive to both FGF signaling and etv1 expression. Thus, we conclude that Etv1 acts downstream of FGF signaling to regulate the initiation of neurogenesis in the Xenopus retina.

Joint toxicity of permethrin and cypermethrin at sublethal concentrations to the embryo-larval zebrafish

Pyrethroids, the widely used pesticides, are highly toxic to aquatic organisms. However, little information is so far available regarding the joint toxicity of type I and type II pyrethroids to fish. Zebrafish is a well-accepted aquatic vertebrate model for toxicity assessment due to small size, easy husbandry, high fecundity and transparent embryos. In this study, we utilized embryo-larval zebrafish to elucidate the combined effects of sublethal concentrations of permethrin (PM) and cypermethrin (CP), which are the most frequently used type I and type II pyrethroids, respectively. Fish were exposed from 3h postfertilization (hpf) to 144 hpf to binary mixtures of nominal concentrations of 100, 200, 300μgL−1 PM (PM100, PM200, PM300) and 10, 20, 30μgL−1 CP (CP10, CP20, CP30). Analytical data of the real concentrations of the chemicals showed a significant degradation of the pyrethroids but an obvious recovery after the renewal of the exposure solution. Defect rates of embryos exposed to these low concentrations of single PM or CP exhibited no statistically significant difference from the control,while the application of combination of PM and CP resulted in deleterious effects on zebrafish embryonic development. In all PM200 and PM300 exposure groups, increasing CP concentrations acted additively to the action of PM in terms of all sublethal endpoints. Co-treatment of embryos with the specific sodium channel blocker MS-222 and pyrethroids (individuals or the mixture) caused a decline in the incidences of body axis curvature and spasms compared to treatment of animals with pyrethroids alone, suggesting that the developmental toxicity of PM and CP to zebrafish was related to disruption of ion channels. We further revealed that mixture of the two pyrethroids caused greater down-regulation in the mRNA levels of proneural genes. The individual pesticides had no effect on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), while the mixture exposure caused significant induction. Treatment with CP or the mixture increased the activity of catalase (CAT). Taken together, our data indicated that the mixture of PM and CP caused higher incidence of morphological defects, greater inhibition in proneural gene expression and more oxidative stress, compared to the single chemical at the corresponding doses. Our findings suggest that the combination of type I and type II pyrethroids poses a greater risk to fish in the water column.

Glioma IL13Rα2 Is Associated with Mesenchymal Signature Gene Expression and Poor Patient Prognosis

A major challenge for successful immunotherapy against glioma is the identification and characterization of validated targets. We have taken a bioinformatics approach towards understanding the biological context of IL-13 receptor α2 (IL13Rα2) expression in brain tumors, and its functional significance for patient survival. Querying multiple gene expression databases, we show that IL13Rα2 expression increases with glioma malignancy grade, and expression for high-grade tumors is bimodal, with approximately 58% of WHO grade IV gliomas over-expressing this receptor. By several measures, IL13Rα2 expression in patient samples and low-passage primary glioma lines most consistently correlates with the expression of signature genes defining mesenchymal subclass tumors and negatively correlates with proneural signature genes as defined by two studies. Positive associations were also noted with proliferative signature genes, whereas no consistent associations were found with either classical or neural signature genes. Probing the potential functional consequences of this mesenchymal association through IPA analysis suggests that IL13Rα2 expression is associated with activation of proinflammatory and immune pathways characteristic of mesenchymal subclass tumors. In addition, survival analyses indicate that IL13Rα2 over-expression is associated with poor patient prognosis, a single gene correlation ranking IL13Rα2 in the top ~1% of total gene expression probes with regard to survival association with WHO IV gliomas. This study better defines the functional consequences of IL13Rα2 expression by demonstrating association with mesenchymal signature gene expression and poor patient prognosis. It thus highlights the utility of IL13Rα2 as a therapeutic target, and helps define patient populations most likely to respond to immunotherapy in present and future clinical trials.

A CHEMICAL–GENETICS APPROACH TO STUDY THE MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY OF CENTRAL SEROTONIN ABNORMALITIES IN FETAL VALPROATE SYNDROME

Valproate (VPA) is a commonly used drug worldwide despite increased awareness of its adverse effects, especially when used during pregnancy. Fetal valproate syndrome, characterised by birth defects, learning difficulties, and...

Abstract B04: The role of mechanical force and integrin-ECM signaling in glioblastoma aggression

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by extensive angiogenesis, inflammation, and edema. These changes are associated with increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and stiffness as well as increased intracranial pressure and tissue compression. Our lab has shown that stiffened ECM leads to enhanced integrin signaling and cell contractility, which promotes tumor cell invasion and progression of breast cancer. We therefore hypothesized that the unique force environment of brain tumors promotes aggressive behavior of GBM cells through similar mechanisms. We began by testing whether a correlation exists between malignancy and the ECM makeup and tensional state of GBM tumors. GBMs have recently been grouped into molecular subclasses, including proneural and mesenchymal, which are predictive of better and worse response to therapy and patient survival, respectively. Using mouse orthotopic xenografts we showed that, compared to proneural, mesenchymal tumors exhibit increased ECM content, integrin clustering, focal adhesions and myosin activity; predictive of a stiffer tumor with greater tumor cell contractility. This data suggests a negative correlation between patient survival and the tension state of the tumor. Whether an increased force environment is a result or a driver of GBM progression is unclear. To test the idea that an increased force environment can drive a proneural-mesenchymal transition we cultured cells on ECM gels of increasing stiffness (ranging from 0.4-40.0kPa, where normal brain is on average less than 1.0kPa and mesenchymal xenografts are ~2.5kPa). While the morphology of mesenchymal cells was similar on all gels, proneural cells plated on gels greater than 2.7kPa adopted a morphology and transcriptional state reminiscent of mesenchymal cells. Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining revealed significant increases in the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin, TGFβ, ZEB1, and nuclear (active) YAP. Antibody blocking of beta1 integrin and small molecule inhibition of focal adhesion kinase or ROCK led to partial rescue of proneural morphology and gene expression. Thus integrin-ECM engagement and myosin activity are necessary for this apparent proneural-mesenchymal transition. The results of increased substrate rigidity were mimicked by enhancing beta1 integrin clustering (through expression of the ITGB1V737N mutant developed in our lab). Collectively these findings suggest that mechanical forces, arising through enhanced cell-ECM interactions and transduced via integrin-focal adhesion signaling, act to drive a mesenchymal, malignant state in GBM cells. In vivo experiments interrogating the effect of forced integrin clustering and cell contractility on GBM aggressiveness and progression are ongoing. Citation Format: J. Matthew Barnes, Valerie M. Weaver. The role of mechanical force and integrin-ECM signaling in glioblastoma aggression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr B04.

Interleukin-10 regulates progenitor differentiation and modulates neurogenesis in adult brain

The adult subventricular zone (SVZ) is the main neurogenic niche in the adult brain of mice and rats. The adult SVZ contains neural stem cells (NSCs) that primarily differentiate into committed neuroblasts. The newly generated neuroblasts accumulate in dorsal SVZ where they further differentiate and initiate a long migration pathway to their final destination, the olfactory bulb (OB). Here, we report a new role for Interleukin 10 (IL-10) that is different to its well-known anti-inflammatory properties. We show that the IL-10 receptor is expressed in Nestin-positive progenitors restricted to the dorsal SVZ in adult brain. Using IL-10 gain models, we observed that IL-10 maintains neural progenitors in an undifferentiated state by keeping progenitors in an active cycle where pro-neural gene markers (Nestin, Sox1, Sox2, Musashi, Mash1) are upregulated and neuronal gene expression (Numb, DCX, TUBB3) is downregulated. In addition, IL-10 reduces neuronal differentiation and ultimately impairs endogenous neurogenesis. Consistently, in the absence of IL-10, in vivo neuronal differentiation of SVZ progenitors is enhanced and the incorporation of new neurons in the adult OB is increased. Thus, our results provide the first evidence that IL-10 acts as a growth factor on SVZ progenitors and regulates neurogenesis in normal adult brain.

A Novel Role of the STAT3 Pathway in Brain Inflammation-induced Human Neural Progenitor Cell Differentiation

Brain inflammation is a primary pathological driving force of many neurodegenerative disorders. In the destructive process, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), are robustly released, affecting normal neural progenitor cell (NPC) differentiation, and resulting in a vast number of astrocytes and a diminished neural population. A counteractive mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we have identified a link between brain inflammation and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway: IL-1β and TNF-α induce STAT3 activation in NPCs. Then to investigate STAT3's effects on NPC fate, we observed that an inhibition of STAT3 expression by siRNA inhibited astrocytic differentiation and increased neuronal differentiation of human NPCs in fetal bovine serum (FBS)-induced astrocyte differentiation condition. Furthermore, STAT3-targeting siRNA abrogated IL-1β and TNF-α-induced astrocyte differentiation and partially restored neuronal differentiation. Elimination of STAT3 expression also countered IL-1β and TNF-α-induced inhibition of proneural bHLH genes, mammalian achaete-schute homologue-1 (Mash1), Neurogenin1 (Ngn1), and Neurogenin2 (Ngn2). These data suggest that a suppression of STAT3 during brain inflammation would inhibit astrogliogenesis and promote neurogenesis. Thus, STAT3 could be a potential target of drug therapy for neurodegenerative disorders.

Knockdown of Human TCF4 Affects Multiple Signaling Pathways Involved in Cell Survival, Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Neuronal Differentiation

Haploinsufficiency of TCF4 causes Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS): a severe form of mental retardation with phenotypic similarities to Angelman, Mowat-Wilson and Rett syndromes. Genome-wide association studies have also found that common variants in TCF4 are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. Although TCF4 is transcription factor, little is known about TCF4-regulated processes in the brain. In this study we used genome-wide expression profiling to determine the effects of acute TCF4 knockdown on gene expression in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. We identified 1204 gene expression changes (494 upregulated, 710 downregulated) in TCF4 knockdown cells. Pathway and enrichment analysis on the differentially expressed genes in TCF4-knockdown cells identified an over-representation of genes involved in TGF-β signaling, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis. Among the most significantly differentially expressed genes were the EMT regulators, SNAI2 and DEC1 and the proneural genes, NEUROG2 and ASCL1. Altered expression of several mental retardation genes such as UBE3A (Angelman Syndrome), ZEB2 (Mowat-Wilson Syndrome) and MEF2C was also found in TCF4-depleted cells. These data suggest that TCF4 regulates a number of convergent signaling pathways involved in cell differentiation and survival in addition to a subset of clinically important mental retardation genes.

The Drosophila T-box transcription factor Midline functions within the Notch–Delta signaling pathway to specify sensory organ precursor cell fates and regulates cell survival within the eye imaginal disc

We report that the T-box transcription factor Midline (Mid), an evolutionary conserved homolog of the vertebrate Tbx20 protein, functions within the Notch–Delta signaling pathway essential for specifying the fates of sensory organ precursor (SOP) cells. These findings complement an established history of research showing that Mid regulates the cell-fate specification of diverse cell types within the developing heart, epidermis and central nervous system. Tbx20 has been detected in unique neuronal and epithelial cells of embryonic eye tissues in both mice and humans. However, the mechanisms by which either Mid or Tbx20 function to regulate cell-fate specification or other critical aspects of eye development including cell survival have not yet been elucidated. We have also gathered preliminary evidence suggesting that Mid may play an indirect, but vital role in selecting SOP cells within the third-instar larval eye disc by regulating the expression of the proneural gene atonal. During subsequent pupal stages, Mid specifies SOP cell fates as a member of the Notch–Delta signaling hierarchy and is essential for maintaining cell viability by inhibiting apoptotic pathways. We present several new hypotheses that seek to understand the role of Mid in regulating developmental processes downstream of the Notch receptor that are critical for specifying unique cell fates, patterning the adult eye and maintaining cellular homeostasis during eye disc morphogenesis.

Targeted delivery of Neurogenin-2 protein in the treatment for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Neurogenin-2 (Ngn2), as a proneural gene that promotes the survival and differentiation of neural precursor cells, is an attractive candidate for therapy against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, the delivery approach limits its clinical application. To deliver Ngn2 protein into the cerebral ischemic region and exert a therapeutic effect on injured neurons after ischemia, we here reported that the fusion protein TAT-LBD-Ngn2 was constructed by fusing a transactivator of transcription (TAT) domain and a laminin-binding domain (LBD) to Ngn2. TAT-LBD-Ngn2 promoted the outgrowth of neuronal neurite, increased the survival rate and alleviated apoptosis of hippocampal neurons exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation in vitro. Furthermore, a focal cerebral ischemia model in C57BL/6 mice showed that TAT-LBD-Ngn2 efficiently crossed the blood brain barrier, aggregated in the ischemic zone and was consistently incorporated into neurons. Moreover, TAT-LBD-Ngn2 transduced into brains attenuated neuronal degeneration and apoptosis in the ischemic zone. TAT-LBD-Ngn2 treatment resulted in a reduction of infarct volume that was associated with a parallel improvement in neurological functional outcomes after reperfusion. In conclusion, the targeted delivery of TAT-LBD-Ngn2 into the ischemic zone attenuated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through the inhibition of neuronal degeneration and apoptosis, suggesting that TAT-LBD-Ngn2 is a promising target candidate for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

SOX2–LIN28/let-7 pathway regulates proliferation and neurogenesis in neural precursors

The transcription factor SRY (sex-determining region)-box 2 (SOX2) is an important functional marker of neural precursor cells (NPCs) and plays a critical role in self-renewal and neuronal differentiation; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its functions are poorly understood. Using human embryonic stem cell-derived NPCs to model neurogenesis, we found that SOX2 is required to maintain optimal levels of LIN28, a well-characterized suppressor of let-7 microRNA biogenesis. Exogenous LIN28 expression rescued the NPC proliferation deficit, as well as the early but not the late stages of the neurogenic deficit associated with the loss of SOX2. We found that SOX2 binds to a proximal site in the LIN28 promoter region and regulates LIN28 promoter acetylation, likely through interactions with the histone acetyltransferase complex. Misexpression of let-7 microRNAs in NPCs reduced proliferation and inhibited neuronal differentiation, phenocopying the loss of SOX2. In particular, we identified let-7i as a novel and potent inhibitor of neuronal differentiation that targets MASH1 and NGN1, two well-characterized proneural genes. In conclusion, we discovered the SOX2-LIN28/let-7 pathway as a unique molecular mechanism governing NPC proliferation and neurogenic potential.