Progenitors in the ventricular zone of the central nervous system are responsible for producing the vast complexity of cell types in the spinal cord. The developmental trajectories of neurons have been well studied, but mechanisms regulating the switch from neurogenesis to gliogenesis, and the origin of astrocyte diversity is less well known. Now, Guillermo Lanuza and colleagues dissect the developmental pathways of astrocytes derived from Dbx1-expressing progenitors in the p0 domain of the ventricular zone. Using lineage tracing and molecular markers, they find that Dbx1+ progenitors produce cells that populate a specific region in the intermediate portion of mouse spinal cords. They identify three morphologies amongst the astrocytes: protoplasmic astrocytes that populate the grey matter; fibrous astrocytes, which are found in the white matter; and radial astrocytes that are in the white matter, close to the spinal cord surface. They find that an excess of astrocytes is specified in Dbx1 knockout mice and attribute this to a reduction in neuronal production, resulting in a larger progenitor pool with astroglial potential. They discover that this is due to increased Notch signalling during the neurogenic phase in knockout mice. Together, these data show that Dbx1 modulates Notch signalling to control differentiation of progenitors and contribute to creating astrocyte diversity.
Creating a galaxy of astrocytes
Creating a galaxy of astrocytes. Development 1 August 2022; 149 (15): e149_e1501. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
The Forest of Biologists

The Forest of Biologists is a biodiversity initiative created by The Company of Biologists, with support from the Woodland Trust. For every Research and Review article published in Development a native tree is planted in a UK forest. In addition to this we are protecting and restoring ancient woodland and are dedicating these trees to our peer reviewers. Visit our virtual forest to learn more.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025

We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Biologists Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South (GS) country to host an event overseas.
Development presents… Outstanding Paper Prize Finalists

On Wednesday 19 April, Development hosted a webinar celebrating the finalists for Development’s Inaugural Outstanding Paper Prize. The talks and Q&As were hosted by our Deputy Editor, Steve Wilson (UCL).
Development Journal Meeting 2023

The Abstract deadline for our 2023 Journal Meeting ‘Unconventional and Emerging Experimental Organisms in Cell and Developmental Biology’ is 23 June 2023. Find out more and apply to Developments 2023 Journal Meeting here.
Keeping up with the Node

Thirteen years on from its launch, the Node continues to be a place to share research stories, opinions, job adverts and event listings. Development have published a recent Editorial showcasing some of our most popular features, as well as introducing some new initiatives.