Homeodomain protein Six4 prevents the generation of supernumerary Drosophila type II neuroblasts and premature differentiation of intermediate neural progenitors.

ABSTRACT: In order to boost the number and diversity of neurons generated from neural stem cells, intermediate neural progenitors (INPs) need to maintain their homeostasis by avoiding both dedifferentiation and premature differentiation. Elucidating how INPs maintain homeostasis is critical for understanding the generation of brain complexity and various neurological diseases resulting from defects in INP development. Here we report that Six4 expressed in Drosophila type II neuroblast (NB) lineages prevents the generation of supernumerary type II NBs and premature differentiation of INPs. We show that loss of Six4 leads to supernumerary type II NBs likely due to dedifferentiation of immature INPs (imINPs). We provide data to further demonstrate that Six4 inhibits the expression and activity of PntP1

SUBMITTER: Chen R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7895384 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature