Mechanisms regulating cell number and type in the mammalian central nervous system.
In the developing brain, neurons are derived from multipotential precursor cells in a precise sequence, where the time when a neuron becomes postmitotic is closely linked to the differentiated function of the neuron. Work from our group (1) identifies the Nes+ neuronal precursor state, (2) defines growth factors that regulate the proliferation of Nes+ precursor cells and their differentiation into neurons, and (3) establishes immortal cell lines that may be useful models for the terminal differentiation of Nes+ cells into neurons and astrocytes. These results suggest that the basic technical requirements are now in place to define the signals that control the transition from a precursor cell to a postmitotic neuron in the mammalian CNS. Control of this terminal differentiation is a key step in generating the large numbers and types of cells in the CNS.
McKay
R
R
Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139.
Valtz
N
N
Cunningham
M
M
Hayes
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology; D002452:Cell Count; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008322:Mammals; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D006133:Growth Substances; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins