Researchers at The Wistar Institute, led by Dr. Alessandro Gardini, have uncovered crucial insights into the biological processes guiding the development of neural cells. Their study, published in Nature Cell Biology, reveals the role of a molecular complex in early neural development, providing a deeper understanding of neurogenesis and its link to neurodevelopmental disorders.
In every human body, all cells carry the same genetic information, but they are not identical. Cells receive signals that direct them to become specific types, such as muscle, blood, or nerve cells. Early in development, stem cells transition from a pluripotent state, where they can become any cell type, to specialized cells based on the signals they receive.
Dr. Gardini focused on the signals that direct pluripotent stem cells to become neural cells, a process known as neurogenesis. Neurogenesis, which includes the formation of the brain and nervous system, is not yet fully understood. However, certain mutations in a protein complex called Integrator, which plays a role in neurogenesis, have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Gardini and his team investigated the Integrator subunit INST10, which is more abundant in neural cells than in other types of cells. This suggested that INST10 is crucial for neural development. Using a cell model to mimic early neural development, the researchers found that cells with reduced INST10 expression showed distinct changes in gene activity. These cells, instead of developing into neural cells, started to shift toward becoming mesenchymal cells, confirming that INST10 helps maintain the identity of neural cells.
At the single-cell level, the researchers observed that stem cells with less INST10 lost key neuronal genes while adopting gene signatures typical of intestinal or smooth muscle cells. This highlights the critical role of INST10 in preserving the identity of neural cells throughout their development and lifespan.
Related topics:
- Study Investigates Genetic Factors Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease Using Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins
- Researchers Aim To Create Noninvasive Tests For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Rice University Researchers Develop New Imaging Platform for Nanoscale Cellular Analysis
