In the developing cerebral cortex, neural stem cells (NSCs) are responsible for producing all neocortical neurons and certain glia lineages. We recently performed clonal analysis by using the genetic MADM (Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers) technology and discovered a highly deterministic mode of NSC behavior. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling NSC lineage progression remain unknown. To this end we use MADM-based experimental paradigms at single cell resolution to define the cell-autonomous functions of candidate genes and signaling pathways controlling cortical neuron/glia genesis and postnatal stem cell behavior in health and disease. In my seminar I will outline our current understanding of the mechanistic framework instructing NSC lineage progression and elaborate on the role of genomic imprinting—an epigenetic phenomenon—in cortical neuron and glia production.

Host: Oliver Bell