Connexin45 modulates the proliferation of transit-amplifying precursor cells in the mouse subventricular zone

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Dec 4;109(49):20107-12. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1217103109. Epub 2012 Nov 19.

Abstract

Connexins have been implicated in the regulation of precursor cell migration and proliferation during embryonic development of the mammalian brain. However, their function in postnatal neurogenesis is unclear. Here we demonstrate that connexin (Cx) 45 is expressed in transit-amplifying cells and neuroblasts in the postnatal subventricular zone (SVZ) and modulated the proliferation of SVZ-derived precursor cells in vivo. Thus, overexpression of Cx45 by retroviral injections increased the proliferation of Mash-1-positive transit-amplifying precursor cells in the SVZ. Conversely, conditional deletion of Cx45 in precursor cells decreased proliferation. Finally, we established that Cx45 positively influences cell cycle reentry via ATP signaling that involves intracellular calcium stores and ERK1/2 signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Bromodeoxyuridine
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Connexins / metabolism*
  • Lateral Ventricles / cytology*
  • Lateral Ventricles / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Neural Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*

Substances

  • Ascl1 protein, mouse
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Connexins
  • connexin 45
  • Bromodeoxyuridine