The role of Nuclear factor I A (Nfia) during late embryonic neurogenesis

Abstract

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.