Dr. Knoblich begins his talk by explaining the key role that asymmetric cell division plays in development of the human brain. During mammalian brain development, neuronal progenitor cells initially divide symmetrically to increase their numbers. Later they divide asymmetrically to produce one progenitor cell and one (or two) cells which will terminally differentiate to become neurons. What determines which daughter cell will become which? Working in Drosophila, Knoblich and others elucidated a signaling pathway in which Par proteins are asymmetrically localized before cell division. This recruits a complex of proteins which defines the orientation of the mitotic spindle and causes the localization of Numb protein at one pole of the cell. Upon cell division, only one daughter cell will inherit Numb protein and this ultimately will determine the fate of the daughter cells. Interestingly, this signaling pathway is conserved from insects to mammals, however, Knoblich found an important difference that may explain why humans have many more cortical neurons than mice.
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Asymmetric Cell Division and Brain Development
Asymmetric cell division (in which two different daughter cells are formed) is critical during human brain development. Dr. Knoblich explains how the fate of each daughter cell is determined. (Talk recorded in May 2017)
- Part 1: Asymmetric Cell Division; From Drosophila to HumansAudience:
- Researcher
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:32:22 - Part 2: Asymmetric Cell Division; From Drosophila to HumansAudience:
- Researcher
- Educators of Adv. Undergrad / Grad
Duration: 00:30:00