Essential role of Shp2-binding sites on FRS2α for corticogenesis and for FGF2-dependent proliferation of neural progenitor cells

Mammalian corticogenesis occurs through a complex process that includes neurogenesis, in which neural progenitor cells proliferate, differentiate, and migrate. It has been reported recently that neurogenesis occurs in the subventricular zone (SVZ), a region previously thought to be the primary site of gliogenesis. It has been recognized that in the SVZ, intermediate progenitor cells, derived from radial glial cells that are multipotent neural stem cells, produce only neurons. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of neural stem cells and intermediate progenitor cells as well as their contribution to overall corticogenesis remain unknown. The docking protein FRS2α is a major mediator of signaling by means of FGFs and neurotrophins. FRS2α mediates many of its pleiotropic cellular responses by recruiting the adaptor protein Grb2 and the protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 upon ligand stimulation. Here, we report that targeted disruption of Shp2-binding sites in FRS2α leads to severe impairment in cerebral cortex development in mutant mice. The defect in corticogenesis appears to be due at least in part to abnormalities in intermediate progenitor cells. Genetic evidence is provided that FRS2α plays critical roles in the maintenance of intermediate progenitor cells and in neurogenesis in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, FGF2-responsive neurospheres, which are cell aggregates derived from neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs), from FRS2α mutant mice were smaller than those of WT mice. However, mutant NSPCs were able to self-renew, demonstrating that Shp2-binding sites on FRS2α play an important role in NSPC proliferation but are dispensable for NSPC self-renewing capacity after FGF2 stimulation.