We have investigated the role of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor,p27Xic1, in the coordination of cell cycle exit and differentiation during early neurogenesis. We demonstrate that p27Xic1 is highly expressed in cells destined to become primary neurones and is essential for an early stage of neurogenesis. Ablation of p27Xic1 protein prevents differentiation of primary neurones, while overexpressing p27Xic1promotes their formation. p27Xic1 may enhance neurogenesis by stabilising the bHLH protein, neurogenin. Moreover, the ability of p27Xic1 to stabilise neurogenin and enhance neurogenesis localises to an N-terminal domain of the molecule and is separable from its ability to inhibit the cell cycle.
© 2003.
2003
You do not currently have access to this content.