Article
Developmental Biology
Li He, Jennifer Jones, Weiguo He, Bryan C. Bjork, Jiayu Wen, Qi Dai
Summary: PRDM16 is a crucial transcriptional regulator that promotes the transition from early to late phase of neurogenesis in the mouse neocortex. It regulates a subset of genes involved in neuronal specification, cell cycle regulation, and neuronal migration by limiting chromatin accessibility of permissive enhancers. This study provides evidence to support the temporal shift in gene expression program of neural progenitors to achieve neural cell diversity.
Article
Cell Biology
Fenyong Yao, Shisheng Huang, Jiahui Liu, Chunhua Tan, Mengqi Xu, Dengkui Wang, Maoqing Huang, Yiyao Zhu, Xingxu Huang, Shuijin He
Summary: Haploinsufficient mutation in the Arglu1 gene is associated with neural developmental disorders, including mental retardation and epilepsy, but the specific causes are not well understood. A study in mice found that Arglu1 deficiency leads to detachment of radial glial cells from the ventricular zone, causing ectopic localization of these cells and resulting in cell apoptosis and reduced neuron production, ultimately leading to microcephaly. This study provides mechanistic insights into the cortical malformations associated with Arglu1 haploinsufficient mutation in human patients.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Alexander Atamian, Marcella Birtele, Giorgia Quadrato
Summary: This study compares different methods for deriving human cortical organoids and finds that combining WNT and dual SMAD inhibition is more effective in inducing cortical identity in 3D human pluripotent stem-cell aggregates compared to dual SMAD inhibition alone.
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Delfina M. Romero, Karine Poirier, Richard Belvindrah, Imane Moutkine, Anne Houllier, Anne-Gaelle Lemoing, Florence Petit, Anne Boland, Stephan C. Collins, Mariano Soiza-Reilly, Binnaz Yalcin, Jamel Chelly, Jean-Francois Deleuze, Nadia Bahi-Buisson, Fiona Francis
Summary: The Dlgap protein family members play a crucial role in early brain development, including cortical malformations and neuronal migration defects. DLGAP4 mutations were identified in patients with these brain abnormalities, revealing its important involvement in progenitors and migrating neurons.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mercedes F. Paredes, Cristina Mora, Quetzal Flores-Ramirez, Arantxa Cebrian-Silla, Ashley Del Dosso, Phil Larimer, Jiapei Chen, Gugene Kang, Susana Gonzalez Granero, Eric Garcia, Julia Chu, Ryan Delgado, Jennifer A. Cotter, Vivian Tang, Julien Spatazza, Kirsten Obernier, Jaime Ferrer Lozano, Maximo Vento, Julia Scott, Colin Studholme, Tomasz J. Nowakowski, Arnold R. Kriegstein, Michael C. Oldham, Andrea Hasenstaub, Jose Manuel Garcia-Verdugo, Arturo Alvarez-Buylla, Eric J. Huang
Summary: Research has revealed that the human embryonic ventral forebrain contains nests of proliferative neuroblasts which play a crucial role in generating a sufficient number of functional interneurons for the human brain.
Editorial Material
Developmental Biology
Alex Eve
Summary: Tom Nowakowski, an Assistant Professor at UCSF, utilizes single-cell sequencing technologies to investigate neurodevelopment. He is a Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator and a Next Generation Leader at the Allen Institute for Brain Science. During our Zoom meeting, he discussed his career, transitioning into a group leader role, and his future plans.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jordan A. Munroe, Mubarak H. Syed, Chris Q. Doe
Summary: This study focuses on the mechanism of exiting quiescence in Drosophila brain neuroblasts, particularly type II neuroblasts. Researchers found that Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein (Imp) plays an important role in the exit from quiescence in type II neuroblasts.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wen Liu, Aaron R. Rohlman, Ryan Vetreno, Fulton T. Crews
Summary: The study found that adolescent binge drinking affects adult OL markers in PFC regions, while also impacting OPC marker expression; furthermore, these effects could lead to lasting changes in PFC function.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elmira Jalilian, Su Ryon Shin
Summary: Human cortical organoids (hCOs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) lack important non-neural tissues, such as the meningeal layer, which are crucial for normal corticogenesis and brain development. In this study, a 3D co-culture system was used to incorporate a thin layer of meningeal cells around the brain organoids from the early stages of cortical development. The presence of meningeal cells led to enhanced laminar organization, increased expression of specific cortical markers, and the formation of outer radial glial and astrocytes. This study provides a novel co-culture platform to better mimic the in vivo cortical brain structure and investigate neurodevelopmental disorders.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaoqing Zhu, Yicheng Guo, Chu Chu, Dahai Liu, Kui Duan, Yu Yin, Chenyang Si, Yu Kang, Junjun Yao, Xuewei Du, Junliang Li, Shumei Zhao, Zongyong Ai, Qingyuan Zhu, Weizhi Ji, Yuyu Niu, Tianqing Li
Summary: This study found that BRN2 is a conserved gene that plays a key role in primate brain development. Through gene knockout experiments in cynomolgus monkeys, it was found that the absence of BRN2 leads to embryonic death before midgestation and has negative effects on brain development. Further analysis revealed that BRN2 is responsible for controlling the specification and differentiation of ganglionic eminences. Additionally, the study also found that BRN2 has a similar function in retinal ganglion cells of cynomolgus monkeys and humans.
Article
Biology
Mariah L. Hoye, Lorenzo Calviello, Abigail J. Poff, Nna-Emeka Ejimogu, Carly R. Newman, Maya D. Montgomery, Jianhong Ou, Stephen N. Floor, Debra L. Silver
Summary: Mutations in the DDX3X gene play a crucial role in cortical development and are associated with DDX3X syndrome. The study shows that DDX3X controls translational and cell cycle control of neural progenitors, influencing neurogenesis and cortical development.
Article
Neurosciences
Romain Le Bail, Antonela Bonafina, Ira Espuny-Camacho, Laurent Nguyen
Summary: This article summarizes the current knowledge on cell diversity in the cortex and other brain regions from in vivo mouse models and in vitro models based on pluripotent stem cells, including cell proliferation, temporal progression, simulation of specific transcriptional and connectivity patterns, and the application of human brain organoid models. The article discusses insights into human cortical evolution from stem cell models and the competence of human brain organoid models to recapitulate the essence of human brain development.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Francesco Bedogni, Robert F. F. Hevner
Summary: This study investigated the transcriptomes of IPs in the embryonic mouse neocortex, revealing specific gene sets for IPs and RGPs involved in neural polarization, axon differentiation, and intrinsic excitability. IPs express dependence receptors that induce apoptosis in the absence of ligand, potentially indicating a competitive mechanism for IPs to detect key environmental cues. Additionally, IPs highly express molecules involved in axon polarization, suggesting a role in priming new PNs for axogenesis, guidance, and excitability.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Allison R. Pine, Stefano M. Cirigliano, Richa Singhania, James Nicholson, Barbara da Silva, Christina S. Leslie, Howard A. Fine
Summary: Using a glioblastoma cerebral organoid model, the study investigated the epigenetic regulation and cellular states of glioma stem cells. Through chromatin accessibility profiling of single cells, the dynamic chromatin changes and shared cellular compartment in glioblastoma were identified. These findings provide insights into transcriptional regulation and potential therapeutic targets for genetically heterogeneous glioblastomas.
Article
Cell Biology
Anneline Pinson, Wieland B. Huttner
Summary: The evolutionary expansion of the neocortex is primarily due to an increased and prolonged proliferation of neural progenitor cells, with basal progenitors playing a key role in the generation of neurons. Recent studies have identified primate-specific and human-specific genes that promote increased proliferative capacity of cortical progenitors.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Caroline La, Berengere de Toeuf, Laure B. Bindels, Laurye Van Maele, Assiya Assabban, Maxime Melchior, Justine Smout, Arnaud Kohler, Muriel Nguyen, Severine Thomas, Romuald Soin, Nadege Delacourt, Hsuehlei Li, Wenqian Hu, Perry J. Blackshear, Veronique Kruys, Cyril Gueydan, Guillaume Oldenhove, Stanislas Goriely
Summary: Studies on Zfp36(-/-) mice revealed that despite the absence of histological signs of gut pathology, there was an increase in intestinal inflammatory markers and alterations in microbiota composition. Oral antibiotic treatment reduced joint and skin inflammation, with the expansion of regulatory T cells associated with increased vitamin A metabolism by gut dendritic cells.
MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Dobrochna Dolicka, Cyril Sobolewski, Monika Gjorgjieva, Marta Correia de Sousa, Flavien Berthou, Claudio De Vito, Didier J. Colin, Olivia Bejuy, Margot Fournier, Christine Maeder, Perry J. Blackshear, Laura Rubbia-Brandt, Michelangelo Foti
Summary: TTP plays a crucial role in hepatic inflammation and cancer initiation, as its loss promotes migration and invasion capabilities of cancer cells. Low TTP expression may serve as a clinically relevant biomarker for high-grade HCC with poor prognosis.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Biying Xu, Jihong Tang, Cancan Lyu, Wambui S. Wandu, Deborah J. Stumpo, Mary J. Mattapallil, Reiko Horai, Igal Gery, Perry J. Blackshear, Rachel R. Caspi
Summary: TTP Delta ARE mice are resistant to experimental autoimmune uveitis, producing lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antibodies, and higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and regulatory T-cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Assiya Assabban, Ingrid Dubois-Vedrenne, Laurye Van Maele, Rosalba Salcedo, Brittany L. Snyder, Lecong Zhou, Abdulkader Azouz, Berengere de Toeuf, Gaelle Lapouge, Caroline La, Maxime Melchior, Muriel Nguyen, Severine Thomas, Si Fan Wu, Wenqian Hu, Veronique Kruys, Cedric Blanpain, Giorgio Trinchieri, Cyril Gueydan, Perry J. Blackshear, Stanislas Goriely
Summary: Cancer is primarily caused by genomic alterations, with multiple genes regulated at the mRNA decay level, including the dysregulation of tristetraprolin (TTP) in human malignancies. TTP plays a critical role in controlling skin tumorigenesis by regulating tumor-associated inflammation and oncogenic pathways in neoplastic epidermal cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Albano, Valeria Tucci, Perry J. Blackshear, Carla Reale, Luca Roberto, Filomena Russo, Pina Marotta, Immacolata Porreca, Marco Colella, Massimo Mallardo, Mario de Felice, Concetta Ambrosino
Summary: Thyroid hormone levels are usually determined by genetic factors, with thyrocytes playing a crucial role in hormone synthesis. ZFP36L2 has been found to be involved in thyroid development and function, regulating mRNA stability and impacting the survival of thyrocytes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jonathan T. Busada, Stuti Khadka, Kylie N. Peterson, Sara R. Druffner, Deborah J. Stumpo, Lecong Zhou, Robert H. Oakley, John A. Cidlowski, Perry J. Blackshear
Summary: The study revealed that increasing the expression of the RNA binding protein tristetraprolin can effectively suppress gastric inflammation and spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia development. This finding suggests that therapies aimed at increasing TTP expression may be effective in treating conditions prone to gastric inflammation.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pathology
Chandra S. Bathula, Jian Chen, Rahul Kumar, Perry J. Blackshear, Yogesh Saini, Sonika Patial
Summary: The study reveals that inactivation of ZFP36L1 can protect the liver from alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis, injury, and inflammation, possibly by stabilizing Fgf21 mRNA. Modulation of ZFP36L1 may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver disease.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Leonard Scharfen, Dagmar Zigackova, Kirsten A. Reimer, Martha R. Stark, Viktor A. Slat, Nancy J. Francoeur, Melissa L. Wells, Lecong Zhou, Perry J. Blackshear, Karla M. Neugebauer, Stephen D. Rader
Summary: By studying a highly diverged red alga, researchers discovered the presence of alternative polyadenylation (APA) in this non-model organism, suggesting its potential importance in regulating gene expression.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Stephanie N. Hicks, Ronald A. Venters, Perry J. Blackshear
Summary: Members of the TTP family of RNA binding proteins play a crucial role in maintaining RNA homeostasis in eukaryotes. In this study, we focused on the recognition and binding of the TZF domain to target RNA using the spikemoss Selaginella moellendorffii as our research model. We reported the nearly complete resonance assignments of the spikemoss TZF domain, including the RNA-TZF domain complex, which is a valuable resource for further investigations into RNA recognition and TTP-mediated mRNA decay.
BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Simon Lecoutre, Fatiha Merabtene, Elie-Julien El Hachem, Camille Gamblin, Christine Rouault, Nataliya Sokolovska, Hedi Soula, Wi S. Lai, Perry J. Blackshear, Karine Clement, Isabelle Dugail
Summary: The study reveals the potential of beta-hydroxybutyrate to limit adipose tissue matrix deposition, which is significant in the context of obesity-related tissue dysfunction.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Brittany L. Snyder, Perry J. Blackshear
Summary: This article discusses how abnormal regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine mediators can contribute to the excess inflammation characteristic of many autoimmune diseases. The authors introduce the function of the TTP family and provide evidence that increasing TTP activity can promote the decay of inflammatory transcripts. The study suggests that utilizing TTP for the development of anti-inflammatory treatments holds potential in humans.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kyu Hwan Kwack, Lixia Zhang, Elliot D. Kramer, Ramkumar Thiyagarajan, Natalie A. Lamb, Yukitomo Arao, Jonathan E. Bard, Kenneth L. Seldeen, Bruce R. Troen, Perry J. Blackshear, Scott I. Abrams, Keith L. Kirkwood
Summary: The study revealed that aging leads to increased myelopoiesis, resulting in higher prevalence of myeloid leukemias and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Furthermore, the research identified the crucial role of tristetraprolin (TTP) in regulating age-related myelopoiesis by expanding specific myeloid progenitors and M-MDSCs, and recruiting them to sites of injury, inflammation, or other pathologic perturbations.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Melissa E. Cook, Tara R. Bradstreet, Ashlee M. Webber, Jongshin Kim, Andrea Santeford, Kevin M. Harris, Maegan K. Murphy, Jennifer Tran, Nada M. Abdalla, Elizabeth A. Schwarzkopf, Suellen C. Greco, Carmen M. Halabi, Rajendra S. Apte, Perry J. Blackshear, Brian T. Edelson
Summary: RNA binding proteins of the ZFP36 family play a crucial role in regulating T cell quiescence, with specific functions of ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 in antigen-specific T cell clonal expansion.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Brittany L. Snyder, Rui Huang, Adam B. Burkholder, Danielle R. Donahue, Beth W. Mahler, Carl D. Bortner, Wi S. Lai, Perry J. Blackshear
Summary: This study reveals the importance of the tristetraprolin (TTP) family of RNA-binding proteins in controlling inflammation. All three family members play critical roles in myeloid cell function and prevent inflammation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of inflammation.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hidemichi Kouzu, Yuki Tatekoshi, Hsiang-Chun Chang, Jason S. Shapiro, Warren A. McGee, Adam De Jesus, Issam Ben-Sahra, Zoltan Arany, Jonathan Leor, Chunlei Chen, Perry J. Blackshear, Hossein Ardehali
Summary: Pregnancy is associated with significant physiological changes in the heart, and disruptions in these changes can lead to peripartum cardiomyopathy. A novel pathway for the regulation of mTORC1 through mRNA stabilization was discovered, which plays a role in inhibiting cardiomyocyte hypertrophy during pregnancy and is critical for normal cardiac growth.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)