Tumor suppressor Nf2 limits expansion of the neural progenitor pool by inhibiting Yap/Taz transcriptional coactivators.

ABSTRACT: Brain development requires a precise balance between expansion of the neural progenitor pool and the production of postmitotic neurons and glia. Disruption of this equilibrium results in a myriad of structural abnormalities and disorders of the nervous system. The molecular mechanism that restricts neural progenitor expansion is poorly understood. Here we show that the tumor suppressor neurofibromatosis 2 (Nf2; merlin) limits the expansion of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the mammalian dorsal telencephalon. Nf2 is localized at the apical region of NPCs. In the absence of Nf2, NPCs of the cortical hem, hippocampal primordium and neocortical primordium overexpand, while production of Cajal-Retzius cells and hippocampal neurons decreases, resulting in severe malformation of the hippocampu

SUBMITTER: Lavado A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3737715 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature