The three major cell types of the mammalian central nervous system are all derived from neural precursor cells (NPCs). The undifferentiated state of NPCs is maintained by Notch signalling and secreted growth factors; NPCs divide a fixed number of times before differentiating to ensure that the brain contains the right mix of cells. Now, on p. 2553, Yoshimatsu and colleagues report that STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) acts in a non-cell-autonomous manner through the Notch ligand Delta-like 1 (DLL1) to maintain NPCs in the embryonic mouse neocortex. They show that NPCs express STAT3 and that deletion of Stat3 in a subset of cells in vivo and in vitro produces premature neurogenesis in their neighbours. STAT3, they report, regulates the expression of DLL1. Moreover,the knockdown of DLL1 by RNAi blocks the ability of STAT3 to maintain NPCs. The authors suggest that this previously unrecognized interaction between STAT3 and Notch signalling might maintain other stem cell populations during development.
STAT acts via Notch to maintain neural precursors
STAT acts via Notch to maintain neural precursors. Development 1 July 2006; 133 (13): e1304. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Development presents... live stream of our Journal Meeting

Watch a session from Development’s Journal Meeting, Unconventional and Emerging Experimental Organisms in Cell and Developmental Biology which was live on the Node Monday 18 September.
Navigating a research career with a disability

Our two recent Perspectives articles explore the lived experiences of disabled scientists in our community. Kelsey L. Anbuhl and colleagues describe the lived experiences of five biologists who share the challenges and successes of undertaking a scientific career with a disability. Whereas Jack Darius Morgan reviews the literature exploring disabled scientists’ experiences in academia.
Focus on regeneration

Tissue regeneration is a fascinating phenomenon, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying regeneration remain incompletely understood. Here, Development has collated a series of articles showcasing some of the most recent advances in regenerative biology.
Keeping up with the Node: Lab meetings

Keep up with the Node 'Lab meeting' posts as the platform regularly highlights development and stem cell biology labs from across the globe and showcases research and researchers from the community. September featured the Kerosuo lab at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, read their 'Lab meeting' article here.
Read & Publish Open Access publishing: what authors say

We have had great feedback from authors who have benefitted from our Read & Publish agreement with their institution and have been able to publish Open Access with us without paying an APC. Read what they had to say.