title: Rapid genetic targeting of pial surface neural progenitors and immature neurons by neonatal electroporation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent findings have indicated the presence of a progenitor domain at the marginal zone/layer 1 of the cerebral cortex, and it has been suggested that these progenitors have neurogenic and gliogenic potential. However, their contribution to the histogenesis of the cortex remains poorly understood due to difficulties associated with genetically manipulating these unique cells in a population-specific manner.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have adapted the electroporation technique to target pial surface cells for rapid genetic manipulation at postnatal day 2. In vivo data show that most of these cells proliferate and progressively differentiate into both neuronal and glial subtypes. Furthermore, these cells localize to the superficial layers of the optic tectum and cerebral cortex prior to migration away from the surface.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We provide a foundation upon which future studies can begin to elucidate the molecular controls governing neural progenitor fate, migration, differentiation, and contribution to cortical and tectal histogenesis. Furthermore, specific genetic targeting of such neural progenitor populations will likely be of future clinical interest.
authors: Regenerative Medicine Institute, SSB 345, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA. joshua.breunig@cshs.org
authors: Joshua J
authors: JJ
authors: Breunig
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Gate
authors: Rachelle
authors: R
authors: Levy
authors: Javier
authors: J
authors: Rodriguez
authors: Gi Bum
authors: GB
authors: Kim
authors: Moise
authors: M
authors: Danielpour
authors: Clive N
authors: CN
authors: Svendsen
authors: Terrence
authors: T
authors: Town
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D018274:Electroporation / Q000379:methods*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D051379:Mice; D058953:Neural Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D010841:Pia Mater / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*