GSK-3 is a master regulator of neural progenitor homeostasis

Woo Yang Kim, Xinshuo Wang, Yaohong Wu, Bradley W. Doble, Satish Patel, James R. Woodgett, William D. Snider

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

326 Scopus citations

Abstract

The development of the brain requires the exquisite coordination of progenitor proliferation and differentiation to achieve complex circuit assembly. It has been suggested that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) acts as an integrating molecule for multiple proliferation and differentiation signals because of its essential role in the RTK, Wnt and Shh signaling pathways. We created conditional mutations that deleted both the α and β forms of GSK-3 in mouse neural progenitors. GSK-3 deletion resulted in massive hyperproliferation of neural progenitors along the entire neuraxis. Generation of both intermediate neural progenitors and postmitotic neurons was markedly suppressed. These effects were associated with the dysregulation of β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, Notch and fibroblast growth factor signaling. Our results indicate that GSK-3 signaling is an essential mediator of homeostatic controls that regulate neural progenitors during mammalian brain development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1390-1397
Number of pages8
JournalNature Neuroscience
Volume12
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'GSK-3 is a master regulator of neural progenitor homeostasis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this