REST regulates the pool size of the different neural lineages by restricting the generation of neurons and oligodendrocytes from neural stem/progenitor cells.

ABSTRACT: REST is a master repressor of neuronal genes; however, whether it has any role during nervous system development remains largely unknown. Here, we analyzed systematically the role of REST in embryonic stem cells and multipotent neural stem/progenitor (NS/P) cells, including neurogenic and gliogenic NS/P cells derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells or developing mouse embryos. We showed that REST-null ES cells remained pluripotent and generated teratomas consisting of the three germ layers. By contrast, multipotent NS/P cells lacking REST displayed significantly reduced self-renewal capacity owing to reduced cell cycle kinetics and precocious neuronal differentiation. Importantly, although early-born neurogenic NS/P cells that lack REST were capable of differentiating to neurons and glia, t

SUBMITTER: Covey MV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3403100 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature