Nuclear factor-kappaB regulates multiple steps of gliogenesis in the developing murine cerebral cortex.

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is activated in neural progenitor cells in the developing murine cerebral cortex during the neurogenic phase, when it acts to prevent premature neuronal differentiation. Here we show that NF-κB activation continues in mouse neocortical neural progenitor cells during the neurogenic-to-gliogenic switch. Blockade of endogenous NF-κB activity during neocortical gliogenesis leads to the formation of supernumerary committed gliogenic progenitors and premature glial cell differentiation.

Interaction and antagonistic roles of NF-κB and Hes6 in the regulation of cortical neurogenesis.

The involvement of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in several processes in the postnatal and adult brain, ranging from neuronal survival to synaptogenesis and plasticity, has been documented. In contrast, little is known about the functions of NF-κB during embryonic brain development. It is shown here that NF-κB is selectively activated in neocortical neural progenitor cells in the developing mouse telencephalon.

Regulation of postnatal forebrain amoeboid microglial cell proliferation and development by the transcription factor Runx1.

Microglia are the immune cells of the nervous system, where they act as resident macrophages during inflammatory events underlying many neuropathological conditions. Microglia derive from primitive myeloid precursors that colonize the nervous system during embryonic development. In the postnatal brain, microglia are initially mitotic, rounded in shape (amoeboid), and phagocytically active.