Scientists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the origin and lineage of nerve cells in the superior colliculus, a crucial region of the mammalian brain. The findings of the study, led by postdoc Giselle Cheung from the Hippenmeyer research group, have been published in the journal Neuron. This research sheds light on the development of the superior colliculus and provides insights into how disruptions in its formation can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The superior colliculus plays a vital role in processing sensory signals from the eyes, ears, and sense of touch. It is responsible for triggering responses, such as the unconscious movement of the eyes or the head, as well as maintaining focus. Despite its importance, little is known about the development of the superior colliculus from embryo to adulthood.
Like other organs, the brain, including the superior colliculus, develops from stem cells in the embryo. These stem cells divide and specialize over time, giving rise to the various cell types required for the organ’s functioning. The study by Cheung and her colleagues focused on mapping the lineage of neural stem cells in the superior colliculus—an investigation that has never been done before.
The researchers discovered that the development of the superior colliculus differs from other brain regions. While stem cells in some brain regions take weeks to generate all types of neurons, those in the superior colliculus perform this task within a few days. Interestingly, the neural stem cells in the superior colliculus retain their ability to produce any type of neuron until the end, unlike stem cells in other areas of the brain that specialize in producing specific groups of neurons. This unique capacity allows the superior colliculus to generate both excitatory and inhibitory neurons simultaneously.
Additionally, the researchers found that the layered structure of the superior colliculus is built all at once during development, rather than one layer at a time as previously believed. They also observed that some neural stem cells continue to produce glia even after generating neurons, a behavior similar to other brain regions.
These findings unveil the exceptional potential of neural stem cells in the superior colliculus, which was previously unknown. Simon Hippenmeyer, head of the research group at ISTA, highlights the significance of these results in understanding how development shapes the organization and functions of neurons in the superior colliculus and, ultimately, the entire brain. The study also delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying these developmental processes.
In addition to investigating the normal development of the superior colliculus, the researchers examined the effects of removing a critical gene called Pten (Phosphatase and tensin homolog) in neural stem cells. Mutations in the Pten gene have been associated with autism and macrocephaly, the abnormal enlargement of the brain and head. Using a technique called Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM), the scientists marked and observed the effects of removing the Pten gene in the progeny of individual stem cells.
The team found that, without the Pten gene, there was an increased production of inhibitory neurons in the superior colliculus. This suggests that the Pten gene is involved in establishing the appropriate balance of cell types in this brain region. Disruptions in this balance may lead to deficits in the processing of sensory signals, potentially explaining neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD.
The study by Cheung and her colleagues provides valuable insights into the lineage and origin of nerve cells in the superior colliculus, offering a deeper understanding of its development and its role in neurological disorders. This research opens new avenues for further exploration into the complex mechanisms underlying brain development and function.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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