Autoregulation of neurogenesis by GDF11

Hsiao Huei Wu, Sanja Ivkovic, Richard C. Murray, Sylvia Jaramillo, Karen M. Lyons, Jane E. Johnson, Anne L. Calof

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

287 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the olfactory epithelium (OE), generation of new neurons by neuronal progenitors is inhibited by a signal from neurons themselves. Here we provide evidence that this feedback inhibitory signal is growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11). Both GDF11 and its receptors are expressed by OE neurons and progenitors, and GDF11 inhibits OE neurogenesis in vitro by inducing p27Kip1 and reversible cell cycle arrest in progenitors. Mice lacking functional GDF11 have more progenitors and neurons in the OE, whereas mice lacking follistatin, a GDF11 antagonist, show dramatically decreased neurogenesis. This negative autoregulatory action of GDF11 is strikingly like that of its homolog, GDF8/myostatin, in skeletal muscle, suggesting that similar strategies establish and maintain proper cell number during neural and muscular development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)197-207
Number of pages11
JournalNeuron
Volume37
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 23 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Autoregulation of neurogenesis by GDF11'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this