[P1.72]: Maintenance of neural stem cell self‐renewal by E2f3

Abstract

factor 8 (Fgf8), Sonic hedgehog (Shh), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)2,4,6 and 7, and Wnts 2b,3a,5a and 7a control the regional expression of specific transcription factors. Some of these secreted factors are expressed at the region of the ZLI, being Shh the main factor studied controlling proliferation, regionalization and polarity in the diencephalic segments. Nevertheless, despite the importance of the ZLI, the mechanism of its formation remains poorly understood.In this work, we have studied the molecular mechanisms for generating a permissive territory for Shh expression in the ZLI, by using experimental embryology techniques: insertion of microbarriers and protein soaked beads in the diencephalic neuroepithelium. We have analyzed the molecular interactions between genes expressed in the diencephalon such as Shh, Glis, Wnts, Fgf and L-fng, among others, by in situ hybridization. Our results let us to describe new molecular processes regulating the establishment of the ZLI compartment.