Identification of a Novel Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Gene,Heslike, and Its Role in GABAergic Neurogenesis

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5327-03.2004
• Publication Date: 2004-04-07T22:38:14Z
• Authors: Goichi Miyoshi; Yasumasa Bessho; Shuichi Yamada; Ryoichiro Kageyama
• Keywords: Basic helix-loop-helix; Diencephalon; Proneural genes

Neuronal subtype specification depends on multiple transcription factors such as basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors. However, factor codes for most neurons remain to be determined. Here, we report identification of a novel mouse bHLH factor, termed Heslike, that has Hes1-like domain and transcriptional repressor activity. Heslike is coexpressed with the Mash1 in brain regions give rise GABAergic neurons. In mesencephalon caudal diencephalon, coexpression initially restricted small but expanded dorsally from embryonic day 9.5 onward, this expansion followed by neurogenesis. Misexpression embryos generates ectopic only + region. contrast, diencephalon -null mice, are almost completely missing and, instead, other generated, although still expressed. Furthermore, significantly promotes formation neurons, compared each gene alone, neural precursor cell culture. Thus, or alone not sufficient, their may important generation These results suggest combinations distinct promote neuronal subtypes, thereby increasing diversity.