Lineage Progression of Cortical Neural Stem Cells and Cortical Excitatory Neuron Cell Fate Specification

Abstract

The production of proper numbers of diverse neurons and macroglia by neural stem cells (NSCs) is essential for neural circuit formation and brain function. During development, neural stem cells (NSCs) in the cerebral cortex, known as the radial glial cells (RGCs), generate glutamatergic neurons that populate different cortical layers. As the generation of excitatory neurons ceases, cortical RGCs switch lineages and generate oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and GABAergic olfactory bulb (OB) interneurons. Proper control of this lineage switch ensures the production of diverse neuronal and glial cell types in correct numbers. I will discuss our recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the lineage switch of cortical NSCs and cortical excitatory neuron fate specification.