Identification of a set of transcriptional regulators involved in the temporal regulation of neuron subtype differentiation [RNA-Seq]

The sequential generation of various types of neurons and glia from neural stem /progenitor cells (NSPCs) during development is a major part to build complex central nervous system. Here, we identify PHF21b, ZFP7 and ZFP57 as crucial factors that regulate the transition from early-born neuron to late-born neuron generation by NSPCs in the developing mouse cortex and ganglionic eminence. Combinatorial overexpression of these three factors in the stage progressed NSPCs generating late-born neurons resulted in prolonged generation of early-born neurons. Conversely, simultaneous knockdown of these genes suppressed generation of early-born neurons.