Ventricular zone

Region in the developing brain

File:WikiVZSVZ.jpg

Diagram showing the ventricular zone and subventricular zone in the developing brain.

The ventricular zone (VZ) is a region in the developing central nervous system (CNS) that plays a crucial role in the formation of the brain and spinal cord. It is located adjacent to the ventricular system of the brain, which is a network of interconnected cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Structure

The ventricular zone is characterized by a dense layer of neuroepithelial cells that line the walls of the brain's ventricles. These cells are highly proliferative and serve as the primary source of neurons and glial cells during early neurogenesis. As development progresses, the ventricular zone gives rise to the subventricular zone (SVZ), which continues to produce neural progenitors.

Function

The primary function of the ventricular zone is to generate the diverse cell types that populate the CNS. During early development, neuroepithelial cells in the VZ undergo symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions. Symmetric divisions expand the progenitor pool, while asymmetric divisions produce differentiated neurons and glial cells that migrate to their final destinations in the brain.

Development

The development of the ventricular zone is tightly regulated by a combination of intrinsic genetic programs and extrinsic signals. Key signaling pathways involved in VZ development include the Notch signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. These pathways coordinate the balance between progenitor proliferation and differentiation.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the development of the ventricular zone can lead to various neurodevelopmental disorders. For example, disruptions in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in the VZ are associated with conditions such as microcephaly, lissencephaly, and schizencephaly. Understanding the mechanisms governing VZ development is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for these disorders.

Related pages

• Subventricular zone
• Neurogenesis
• Neural stem cell

References

• Rakic, P. (2009). "Evolution of the neocortex: a perspective from developmental biology." Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(10), 724-735.
• Götz, M., & Huttner, W. B. (2005). "The cell biology of neurogenesis." Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 6(10), 777-788.