Posttranscriptional and translational control of neurogenesis
The sequential events of neurogenesis are orchestrated by diverse layers of molecular regulation, including posttranscriptional control. Notably, while a great deal is known about transcriptional and signaling hierarchies in neurogenesis, in comparison, we know far less about complex RNA regulatory networks at play. However, emerging studies of mouse models and human disease indicate that posttranscriptional regulation is critical to fine-tune neurogenesis and mediate cortical development. These mechanisms control the fate of an RNA via alternative splicing, stability, subcellular localization, and translation. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of how these posttranscriptional mechanisms control neurogenesis. We discuss examples of RNA-binding proteins, as well as epitranscriptome modifications, which collectively govern progenitor behavior, neuronal generation, and maturation. Disruption of RNA metabolism is strongly linked to broad neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, elucidating diverse posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms governing neurogenesis will yield fundamental insights into cortical development and disease.
