Imp/IGF2BP levels modulate individual neural stem cell growth and division through myc mRNA stability.

ABSTRACT: The numerous neurons and glia that form the brain originate from tightly controlled growth and division of neural stem cells, regulated systemically by important known stem cell-extrinsic signals. However, the cell-intrinsic mechanisms that control the distinctive proliferation rates of individual neural stem cells are unknown. Here, we show that the size and division rates of Drosophila neural stem cells (neuroblasts) are controlled by the highly conserved RNA binding protein Imp (IGF2BP), via one of its top binding targets in the brain, myc mRNA. We show that Imp stabilises myc mRNA leading to increased Myc protein levels, larger neuroblasts, and faster division rates. Declining Imp levels throughout development limit myc mRNA stability to restrain neuroblast

SUBMITTER: Samuels TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7025822 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature