Dynamic expression of basic helix-loop-helix Olig family members: implication of Olig2 in neuron and oligodendrocyte differentiation and identification of a new member, Olig3

摘要: Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors have been shown to be essential for specification of various cell types. Here, we describe a novel bHLH family consisting three members, two which (Olig1, Olig2) are expressed in nervous tissue-specific manner, whereas the third, Olig3 is found mainly non-neural tissues. Olig1 and Olig2, recently implicated oligodendrogenesis, region ventral ventricular zone late embryonic spinal cord where oligodendrocyte progenitors appear. In brain, Olig2 expression domain broader than that does not overlap with an progenitor marker, CNP. Furthermore, most cells half early cord, do yet express neuronal marker TuJ1. These results indicate limited lineage but includes immature multipotential neuron/glia as well olfactory neurons.