Regulatory Mechanism of Neural Progenitor Cells Revealed by Optical Manipulation of Gene Expressions

Abstract

Neural stem/progenitor cells are multipotent and self-renewable cells that can give generate neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. These processes are controlled by multiple basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. bHLH transcription factors also regulate direct reprogramming of adult somatic cells into neurons and oligodendrocytes. Thus, bHLH factors play pivotal roles in development and regeneration of the nervous system. Here, we review essential functions of bHLH factors, especially focusing on the regulatory mechanism through the dynamic expression changes. To precisely analyze the functional roles of dynamic gene expression changes, tools that manipulate gene expression at fine temporal and spatial resolution are needed. We also review novel strategies to optically manipulate gene expression dynamics in neural progenitor cells.