Bhlhb5 Regulates the Postmitotic Acquisition of Area Identities in Layers II-V of the Developing Neocortex

Pushkar S. Joshi, Bradley J. Molyneaux, Liang Feng, Xiaoling Xie, Jeffrey D. Macklis, Lin Gan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

136 Scopus citations

Abstract

While progenitor-restricted factors broadly specify area identities in developing neocortex, the downstream regulatory elements involved in acquisition of those identities in postmitotic neurons are largely unknown. Here, we identify Bhlhb5, a transcription factor expressed in layers II-V, as a postmitotic regulator of area identity. Bhlhb5 is initially expressed in a high caudomedial to low rostrolateral gradient that transforms into a sharp border between sensory and rostral motor cortices. Bhlhb5 null mice exhibit aberrant expression of area-specific genes and structural organization in the somatosensory and caudal motor cortices. In somatosensory cortex, Bhlhb5 null mice display postsynaptic disorganization of vibrissal barrels. In caudal motor cortex, Bhlhb5 null mice exhibit anomalous differentiation of corticospinal motor neurons, accompanied by failure of corticospinal tract formation. Together, these results demonstrate Bhlhb5's function as an area-specific transcription factor that regulates the postmitotic acquisition of area identities and elucidate the genetic hierarchy between progenitors and postmitotic neurons driving neocortical arealization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)258-272
Number of pages15
JournalNeuron
Volume60
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 23 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CELLBIO
  • DEVBIO
  • MOLNEURO

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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