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The art of balance: canonical and non-canonical mechanisms of developmental neurogenesis
The art of balance: canonical and non-canonical mechanisms of developmental neurogenesis
The seat of our higher cognitive functions—the brain—originates from a simple sheet of cells known as neural stem cells (NSCs). They give rise to neurons and other essential cell types that constitute the brain during development. The process of generating neurons, or neurogenesis, has captivated scientists for decades, if not centuries. Yet, we are still scratching the surface of understanding how NSCs balance their plasticity with their commitment to differentiate into neurons. One focal point of research lies in the role of transcription factors (TFs). These potent regulators of gene expression are pivotal in determining cell fate and have been extensively studied in the context of NSCs. While numerous TFs critical to neurogenesis have been identified, the search continues for a universal regulator—a pan-factor—that regulates neural stem cell fate and neurogenesis. Furthermore, beyond transcriptional control, emerging evidence suggests the importance of non-canonical mechanisms that remain largely unexplored but may hold the key to uncovering novel regulatory pathways in neurogenesis. In this thesis, I will explore both canonical and non-canonical mechanisms that govern the balance between self-maintenance and differentiation of NSCs during developmental neurogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms is not only essential for decoding the complexities of brain development but also carries significant implications for developing therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders and brain injuries.
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Li, Yiling
2025
Englisch
Universitätsbibliothek der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Li, Yiling (2025): The art of balance: canonical and non-canonical mechanisms of developmental neurogenesis. Dissertation, LMU München: Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN)
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Abstract

The seat of our higher cognitive functions—the brain—originates from a simple sheet of cells known as neural stem cells (NSCs). They give rise to neurons and other essential cell types that constitute the brain during development. The process of generating neurons, or neurogenesis, has captivated scientists for decades, if not centuries. Yet, we are still scratching the surface of understanding how NSCs balance their plasticity with their commitment to differentiate into neurons. One focal point of research lies in the role of transcription factors (TFs). These potent regulators of gene expression are pivotal in determining cell fate and have been extensively studied in the context of NSCs. While numerous TFs critical to neurogenesis have been identified, the search continues for a universal regulator—a pan-factor—that regulates neural stem cell fate and neurogenesis. Furthermore, beyond transcriptional control, emerging evidence suggests the importance of non-canonical mechanisms that remain largely unexplored but may hold the key to uncovering novel regulatory pathways in neurogenesis. In this thesis, I will explore both canonical and non-canonical mechanisms that govern the balance between self-maintenance and differentiation of NSCs during developmental neurogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms is not only essential for decoding the complexities of brain development but also carries significant implications for developing therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders and brain injuries.