Time-Lapse Imaging of GFAP-Expressing Progenitors in the Hippocampus
Author Information
Author(s): Namba Takashi, Mochizuki Hideki, Suzuki Ryusuke, Onodera Masafumi, Yamaguchi Masahiro, Namiki Hideo, Shioda Seiji, Seki Tatsunori
Primary Institution: Juntendo University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
How do astrocyte-like progenitors produce neurons during postnatal dentate neurogenesis?
Conclusion
The study found that GFAP-expressing progenitors primarily divide symmetrically to produce either pairs of GFAP+ cells or neuron-committed cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Most GFAP-expressing progenitors divided symmetrically to produce pairs of GFAP+ cells or neuron-committed cells.
- A small population of GFAP+ progenitors divided asymmetrically to generate both GFAP+ and neuron-committed cells.
- Time-lapse imaging allowed for the observation of dynamic cell division patterns in the hippocampus.
Takeaway
The researchers watched brain cells divide and found that many of them make two identical cells instead of one of each type, which helps produce new neurons.
Methodology
Time-lapse imaging was performed on cultured hippocampal slices from transgenic mice to observe the division patterns of GFAP-expressing progenitors.
Limitations
The study could not determine the final fates of some daughter cells that lost eGFP fluorescence during observation.
Participant Demographics
Transgenic mice aged 4-6 days postnatal were used for the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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