Activator E2F family transcription factors are master regulators of the molecular signatures instructing the quiescent and activated adult neural stem cell state
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ABSTRACT: The long-term maintenance of the adult neurogenic niche and neurogenesis is dependent on the proper regulation of entry and exit from quiescence. The dynamic transition from quiescence to activation is a complex process requiring not only precise cell cycle control, but also a co-ordinated phenotypic transition involving transcriptional and morphological changes. Presently, the mechanisms by which such a complex repertoire of factors interact and co-ordinate with the core cell cycle machinery to mediate these critical NSC fate transitions remains unknown. Here we show that the Rb/E2F axis functions as an on-off switch for NSC quiescence and activation, by linking the cell cycle machinery to pivotal regulators of NSC fate. Compound deletion of Rb family proteins results in massive activation and expansion of NSCs, and induces a global transcriptomic transition towards NSC activation followed by niche depletion. Deletion of their target activator E2Fs1/3 results in the failure of NSCs to become activated and the acquisition of a global transcriptome associated with intractable NSC quiescence and the cessation of adult neurogenesis. We further show that the Rb/E2F axis orchestrates these fate transitions through the direct regulation of factors essential to NSC function, including REST and ASCL1. This places the Rb/E2F axis as a master regulator of NSC fate, coordinating cell cycle control with NSC activation and quiescence fate transitions.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE190764 | GEO | 2022/11/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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