The temporal refinement ofDach1is a key step in the functional maturation of primary somatosensory neurons

Abstract

SummaryDuring somatosensory neurogenesis, neurons are born in an unspecialized transcriptional state, with several transcription factors following a broad-to-restricted expression dynamic as development proceeds, supporting neuron subtype identities. The relevance of this temporal refinement remains however unclear, these broad-to-restricted transcription factors being selectively involved in neurons in which they are ultimately maintained. Here we found thatDach1encodes for abona fidebroad-to-restricted transcription factor retained and required in tactile somatosensory neurons. Within developing nociceptors, we demonstrate that Prdm12 contributes toDach1extinction. Using genetic approaches to prevent its temporal restriction during somatosensory development, we reveal thatDach1refinement is a prerequisite for the appropriate transcriptional maturation of somatosensory subtypes from which it becomes ultimately excluded. These findings highlight the essential role played by Dach1 during somatosensory neuron development. They further demonstrate that the broad-to-restricted temporal pattern followed by several transcription factors is physiologically relevant to achieve appropriate transcriptional maturation of somatosensory neurons.