Self-organization of axial polarity, inside-out layer pattern, and species-specific progenitor dynamics in human ES cell–derived neocortex

T Kadoshima, H Sakaguchi, T Nakano… - Proceedings of the …, 2013 - National Acad Sciences
T Kadoshima, H Sakaguchi, T Nakano, M Soen, S Ando, M Eiraku, Y Sasai
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013National Acad Sciences
Here, using further optimized 3D culture that allows highly selective induction and long-term
growth of human ES cell (hESC)-derived cortical neuroepithelium, we demonstrate unique
aspects of self-organization in human neocorticogenesis. Self-organized cortical tissue
spontaneously forms a polarity along the dorsocaudal-ventrorostral axis and undergoes
region-specific rolling morphogenesis that generates a semispherical structure. The
neuroepithelium self-forms a multilayered structure including three neuronal zones …
Here, using further optimized 3D culture that allows highly selective induction and long-term growth of human ES cell (hESC)-derived cortical neuroepithelium, we demonstrate unique aspects of self-organization in human neocorticogenesis. Self-organized cortical tissue spontaneously forms a polarity along the dorsocaudal-ventrorostral axis and undergoes region-specific rolling morphogenesis that generates a semispherical structure. The neuroepithelium self-forms a multilayered structure including three neuronal zones (subplate, cortical plate, and Cajal-Retzius cell zones) and three progenitor zones (ventricular, subventricular, and intermediate zones) in the same apical-basal order as seen in the human fetal cortex in the early second trimester. In the cortical plate, late-born neurons tend to localize more basally to early-born neurons, consistent with the inside-out pattern seen in vivo. Furthermore, the outer subventricular zone contains basal progenitors that share characteristics with outer radial glia abundantly found in the human, but not mouse, fetal brain. Thus, human neocorticogenesis involves intrinsic programs that enable the emergence of complex neocortical features.
National Acad Sciences