Six3 is required for ependymal cell maturation

Development. 2011 Dec;138(24):5291-300. doi: 10.1242/dev.067470. Epub 2011 Nov 9.

Abstract

Ependymal cells are part of the neurogenic niche in the adult subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles, where they regulate neurogenesis and neuroblast migration. Ependymal cells are generated from radial glia cells during embryonic brain development and acquire their final characteristics postnatally. The homeobox gene Six3 is expressed in ependymal cells during the formation of the lateral wall of the lateral ventricles in the brain. Here, we show that Six3 is necessary for ependymal cell maturation during postnatal stages of brain development. In its absence, ependymal cells fail to suppress radial glia characteristics, resulting in a defective lateral wall, abnormal neuroblast migration and differentiation, and hydrocephaly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Movement
  • Ependyma / growth & development*
  • Eye Proteins / genetics
  • Eye Proteins / physiology*
  • Homeobox Protein SIX3
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / physiology*
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Lateral Ventricles / growth & development
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
  • Neuroglia / physiology

Substances

  • Eye Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins