LRIG1 controls proliferation of adult neural stem cells by facilitating TGFβ and BMP signalling pathways.

Adult Neural Stem Cells (aNSCs) in the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) are largely quiescent. Here, we characterize the mechanism underlying the functional role of a cell-signalling inhibitory protein, LRIG1, in the control of aNSCs proliferation. Using Lrig1 knockout models, we show that Lrig1 ablation results in increased aNSCs proliferation with no change in neuronal progeny and that this hyperproliferation likely does not result solely from activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Polycomb repressive complex 2 is critical for mouse cortical glutamatergic neuron development.

The Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) regulates corticogenesis, yet the consequences of mutations to this epigenetic modifier in the mature brain are poorly defined. Importantly, PRC2 core genes are haploinsufficient and causative of several human neurodevelopmental disorders. To address the role of PRC2 in mature cortical structure and function, we conditionally deleted the PRC2 gene Eed from the developing mouse dorsal telencephalon.

Hydrocephalus in Mice Is Underpinned by Changes in Ependymal Cell Physiology.

Nuclear factor one X (NFIX) is a transcription factor required for normal ependymal development. Constitutive loss of in mice () is associated with hydrocephalus and sloughing of the dorsal ependyma within the lateral ventricles. Previous studies have implicated NFIX in the transcriptional regulation of genes encoding for factors essential to ependymal development.

Deletion of NFIX results in defective progression through meiosis within the mouse testis†.

Members of the nuclear factor I (NFI) family are key regulators of stem cell biology during development, with well-documented roles for NFIA, NFIB, and NFIX in a variety of developing tissues, including brain, muscle, and lung. Given the central role these factors play in stem cell biology, we posited that they may be pivotal for spermatogonial stem cells or further developing spermatogonia during testicular development. Surprisingly, in stark contrast to other developing organ systems where NFI members are co-expressed, these NFI family members show discrete patterns of expression within the seminiferous tubules.

Advances in Microbiome Research for Animal Health.

Host-associated microbiomes contribute in many ways to the homeostasis of the metaorganism. The microbiome's contributions range from helping to provide nutrition and aiding growth, development, and behavior to protecting against pathogens and toxic compounds. Here we summarize the current knowledge of the diversity and importance of the microbiome to animals, using representative examples of wild and domesticated species.