Figure 5. Loss of Usp22 in adult mouse brain results in impaired cortical differentiation.

a–b. Usp22^lacZ animals at an age of 4 months have been assessed regarding to morphological changes of the different brain regions. Sagittal Nissl and H&E-stained sections revealed a less densely packed cortex in mice with USP22 reduction. Scale bar: 500 μm. c–e. Immunohistochemistry shows less differentiated cells and impaired layering in the adult cerebral cortex on coronal sections. The morphology and distribution of the subventricular zone (SVZ) with its intermediate precursor cells (TBr2) appears normal. The layering of the deep-layer (CTIP2, layer V–VI) and upper-layer neurons (SATB2, layer II–IV) is impaired. Scale bar: 100 μm. CP: cortical plate, SVZ: subventricular zone, V: ventricle.