Retinoic Acid, under Cerebrospinal Fluid Control, Induces Neurogenesis during Early Brain Development

• Main Authors: M. Isabel Alonso, Estela Carnicero, Raquel Carretero, Aníbal De la Mano, Jose Antonio Moro, Francisco Lamus, Cristina Martín, Angel Gato
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2014-04-01
• Series: Journal of Developmental Biology
• Subjects: embryonic cerebrospinal fluid; retinoic acid; mesencephalic-rombencephalic isthmus; neuroepithelial precursors; neurogenesis
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2221-3759/2/2/72

One of the more intriguing subjects in neuroscience is how a precursor or stem cell is induced to differentiate into a neuron. Neurogenesis begins early in brain development and suddenly becomes a very intense process, which is related with the influence of Retinoic Acid. Here, using a biological test (F9-1.8 cells) in chick embryos, we show that “in vivo” embryonic cerebrospinal fluid regulates mesencephalic-rombencephalic Isthmic Retinoic Acid synthesis and this effect has a direct influence on mesencephalic neuroepithelial precursors, inducing a significant increase in neurogenesis. This effect is mediated by the Retinol Binding Protein present in the embryonic cerebrospinal fluid. The knowledge of embryonic neurogenetic stimulus could be useful in the control of adult brain neurogenesis.