The roof plate regulates cerebellar cell-type specification and proliferation.
During embryogenesis, the isthmic organizer, a well-described signaling center at the junction of the mid-hindbrain, establishes the cerebellar territory along the anterior/posterior axis of the neural tube. Mechanisms specifying distinct populations within the early cerebellar anlage are less defined. Using a newly developed gene expression map of the early cerebellar anlage, we demonstrate that secreted signals from the rhombomere 1 roof plate are both necessary and sufficient for specification of the adjacent cerebellar rhombic lip and its derivative fates. Surprisingly, we show that the roof plate is not absolutely required for initial specification of more distal cerebellar cell fates, but rather regulates progenitor proliferation and cell position within the cerebellar anlage. Thus, in addition to the isthmus, the roof plate represents an important signaling center controlling multiple aspects of cerebellar patterning.
Chizhikov
Victor V
VV
Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, 920 E. 58th Street, CLSC 319 Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Lindgren
Anne G
AG
Currle
D Spencer
DS
Rose
Matthew F
MF
Monuki
Edwin S
ES
Millen
Kathleen J
KJ
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology*; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology; D047108:Embryonic Development; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000473:pathology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development