Cerebellum morphogenesis: The foliation pattern is orchestrated by multi-cellular anchoring centers Journal Article


Authors: Sudarov, A.; Joyner, A. L.
Article Title: Cerebellum morphogenesis: The foliation pattern is orchestrated by multi-cellular anchoring centers
Abstract: Background: The cerebellum has a striking morphology consisting of folia separated by fissures of different lengths. Since folia in mammals likely serve as a broad platform on which the anteriorposterior organization of the sensory-motor circuits of the cerebellum are built, it is important to understand how such complex morphology arises. Results: Using a combination of genetic inducible fate mapping, high-resolution cellular analysis and mutant studies in mouse, we demonstrate that a key event in initiation of foliation is the acquisition of a distinct cytoarchitecture in the regions that will become the base of each fissure. We term these regions 'anchoring centers'. We show that the first manifestation of anchoring centers when the cerebellar outer surface is smooth is an increase in proliferation and inward thickening of the granule cell precursors, which likely causes an associated slight invagination of the Purkinje cell layer. Thereafter, granule cell precursors within anchoring centers become distinctly elongated along the axis of the forming fissure. As the outer cerebellar surface begins to fold inwards, Bergmann glial fibers radiate in towards the base of the immature fissure in a fan shape. Once the anchoring center is formed, outgrowth of folia seems to proceed in a self-sustaining manner driven by granule cell migration along Bergmann glial fibers. Finally, by analyzing a cerebellum foliation mutant (Engrailed2), we demonstrate that changing the timing of anchoring center formation leads to predictable changes in the shape and size of the surrounding folia. Conclusion: We present a new cellular model of the initial formation of cerebellar fissures with granule cells providing the driving physical force. Both the precise timing of the appearance of anchoring centers at the prospective base of each fissure and the subsequent coordinated action of granule cells and Bergmann glial fibers within the anchoring centers dictates the shape of the folia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract).
Keywords: morphology; cytoarchitecture; foliation; cerebellum morphogenesis
Journal Title: Neural Development
Volume: 2
ISSN: 1749-8104
Publisher: Biomed Central Ltd  
Date Published: 2007-12-01
Start Page: 26
Language: English
ACCESSION: Peer Reviewed Journal: 2014-45927-001
PROVIDER: Ovid Technologies
PROVIDER: psycinfo
PMCID: PMC2246128
PUBMED: 18053187
DOI: 10.1186/1749-8104-2-26
DOI/URL:
Notes: References -- Source: PsycINFO
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  1. Alexandra L Joyner
    97 Joyner