The Nuclear factor I A (Nfia) is a transcription factor which seems to be a key element
during late embryonic brain neurogenesis. Since most of the studies about the role of
Nfia in the Central Nervous System (CNS) are mainly focused on later stages, this project
aims to shed light on the role of Nfia at embryonic stages. Firstly, I review the Nfia factor
and its functions in the developing CNS. As there are hints that Nfia activity crosstalks
with Notch signalling, I also review the Notch pathway ...
The Nuclear factor I A (Nfia) is a transcription factor which seems to be a key element
during late embryonic brain neurogenesis. Since most of the studies about the role of
Nfia in the Central Nervous System (CNS) are mainly focused on later stages, this project
aims to shed light on the role of Nfia at embryonic stages. Firstly, I review the Nfia factor
and its functions in the developing CNS. As there are hints that Nfia activity crosstalks
with Notch signalling, I also review the Notch pathway and its operating mechanisms.
Finally, I discuss the potential interplay between Nfia and Notch signalling. The main
conclusions are that nfia is expressed in progenitor cells of the developing CNS, where
it inhibits neurogenesis by promoting the maintenance of an undifferentiated pool of cells.
These can give rise to late-born neurons. This role of maintaining cells in their
undifferentiated state might be promoted by the synergy between Notch signalling and
Nfia. Further studies are required in order to completely understand how this synergic
mechanism is carried out. To finish this project, I propose several experiments in the
context of zebrafish hindbrain which could help to answer some of the remaining
questions.
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