Chiara, F.; (2011) Role of early B-cell factors (EBFs) in the development of the cerebral cortex. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Early B-cell factor 2 (Ebf2) is one of four mammalian members of the helix-loophelix transcription factor family Collier/Olf/Ebf (COE). COE proteins EBF1, EBF2 and EBF3 have been implicated in various aspects of neural development including neurogenesis, cell differentiation, neuronal migration and axonal fasciculation. Here, I examined the role of one of these proteins, EBF2, on the development of the cerebral cortex. Ebf2 mRNA, detected by in situ hybridisation, was transiently expressed in the developing mouse cerebral cortex. In particular, it was found in the cortical hem, septum and preplate/marginal zone, which are known sites of origin and migration for Cajal-Retzius cells, respectively. In order to permanently label Ebf2 positive cells even after the downregulation of the gene expression, the transgenic line Ebf2GFPiCre was crossed with the reporter line Rosa26RYFP. It was found that the expression of Ebf2 matched the expression of markers for Cajal-Retzius cells, subplate cells and a subpopulation of layer V pyramidal neurons. Although Ebf2-/- mice showed a delay in the migration of Cajal-Retzius cells at early stages of development, which was rescued by the end of gestation, they did not present any other gross defect in cortical topography and cellular organisation. In vivo and in vitro studies have suggested that Ebf1 and Ebf3, also expressed in the cortical hem and septum, may be involved in complementing the lack of Ebf2 function. These results suggest a role for the EBF family in controlling Cajal-Retzius cell development.

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