Radial glia in the proliferative ventricular zone of the embryonic and adult turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans

Abstract

To better understand the role of radial glial (RG) cells in the evolution of the mammalian cerebral cortex, we investigated the role of RG cells in the dorsal cortex and dorsal ventricular ridge of the turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans. Unlike mammals, the glial architecture of adult reptile consists mainly of ependymoradial glia, which share features with mammalian RG cells, and which may contribute to neurogenesis that continues throughout the lifespan of the turtle. To evaluate the morphology and proliferative capacity of ependymoradial glia (here referred to as RG cells) in the dorsal cortex of embryonic and adult turtle, we adapted the cortical electroporation technique, commonly used in rodents, to the turtle telencephalon. Here, we demonstrate the morphological and functional characteristics of RG cells in the developing turtle dorsal cortex. We show that cell division occurs both at the ventricle and away from the ventricle, that RG cells undergo division at the ventricle during neurogenic stages of development, and that mitotic Tbr2+ precursor cells, a hallmark of the mammalian SVZ, are present in the turtle cortex. In the adult turtle, we show that RG cells encompass a morphologically heterogeneous population, particularly in the subpallium where proliferation is most prevalent. One RG subtype is similar to RG cells in the developing mammalian cortex, while 2 other RG subtypes appear to be distinct from those seen in mammal. We propose that the different subtypes of RG cells in the adult turtle perform distinct functions.

Abbreviations

RG

radial glia

VZ

ventricular zone

SVC

subventricular zone

DVR

ventricular ridge

EGFP

enhanced green fluorescent protein

Introduction

The turtle is considered the most closely related living animal to the ‘stem’ amniote that was the common ancestor of mammals and reptiles.¹ The adult cortex in turtle has a simple tri-laminar organization. The outer molecular layer contains thalamic and brainstem afferents and some inhibitory interneurons. The pyramidal cell layer consists mostly of excitatory pyramidal neurons. The subcellular layer, which is adjacent to the lateral ventricle, contains interneurons and some displaced pyramidal cells.^2,3 Glial cells are also present in the subcellular layer, and occupy the same approximate position as RG cells in the ventricular zone (VZ) of the developing mammalian neocortex. The turtle glial cells express GFAP, as do RG cells in prenatal primate,^4,61 and extend processes through the overlying layers, following a radial trajectory that is reminiscent of the organization of the embryonic mammalian cortex. However, free astrocytes are not present in the turtle cortex as in mammals.

The VZ of the developing mammalian telencephalon contains primary precursor cells that generate most of the cells that constitute the adult telencephalon. Descriptions of neuroepithelial cells, as well as the names used to describe these cells, have evolved over the last century (for review see ref.⁵). Initially, 2 separate classes of cells were assumed to exist: neural precursor cells and neuroepithelial cells – now called RG cells. Neural precursor cells in the developing telencephalon were identified over one century ago by their round morphology as they divided at the ventricular surface.⁶ In contrast, RG cells were defined by their characteristic bipolar morphology including a process contacting the ventricular surface, an oval nucleus in the VZ or subventricular zone (SVZ), and a long pial fiber extending to the pial limitans. RG cells were also identified by abundant glycogen granules in the pial endfeet.⁷ Seminal work showed that RG cells guide neuronal migration,⁸ undergo mitotis,⁹ and that RG division coincides with sites of neurogenesis.¹⁰ Conclusive evidence demonstrated that RG cells produce neurons.^5,11-16 The evidence demonstrating that RG cells are neuronal precursor cells was made possible by new technology, specifically fluorescent protein-expressing retroviruses combined with time-lapse analysis in live slice cultures.¹³ Previously established techniques including Golgi impregnation, thymidine analogs, electron microscopy, and even retroviruses expressing a non-fluorescent tag, did not pinpoint the neurogenic activity of mammalian RG cells, although it provided evidence that some clones contained both RG cells and neurons in the chick optic tectum.¹⁷ Since RG cells were identified as neural precursor cells in rodents, the identity of neural precursor cells in other vertebrate species has followed, and inferences that RG cells are neurogenic in all vertebrates rests on conclusive evidence from rodent, ferret, non-human primate, and human.

There are reports of extensive postnatal and adult neurogenesis deriving from the ventricular wall of non-mammalian species both constitutively and in injured animals including fish,^18-20 birds^10,21 and reptiles.^22,23 These studies have begun to integrate the discovery that mammalian embryonic RG cells generate neurons. Ependymal cells with long radial processes persist throughout the lifespan of some non-mammalian species including fish,^24,25,26 birds,²⁷ amphibia,²⁸ and reptiles.^25,29-36 In adult birds, ‘RG cells’ coincide spatially with regions of high proliferative activity referred to as “hotspots," an observation that suggested these avian RG cells generate neurons.¹⁰ In a few reptiles, including lizards and turtles, VZ cells with long radial processes throughout the telencephalon are not superseded by free astrocytes. These radially oriented glial cells have been referred as tanycytes,³⁷ RG cells,³⁸ surface contact glial cells,³⁹ and radial ependymoglial cells.^34,35,40,41 In birds and lizard, they have been subclassified by electron microscopy as types “B” (RG cells) and “E” (ependymal) based on the features of their cilia and mitotic abilities.⁴²

The presence of RG-like cells in the telencephalon of adult vertebrates that exhibit continual growth throughout life prompted us to ask whether RG cells produce daughter cells during development and adulthood also in select vertebrates. In turtle, as in other reptiles, postnatal neurogenesis that derives largely from cells located in the ventricular wall of the striatum and dorsal ventricular ridge (DVR) has been reported.⁴³ We hypothesized that RG cells are neuronal precursors in the embryonic and adult turtle. To date, the most detailed morphologic descriptions of adult turtle RG cells have been performed by Golgi impregnation and are primarily restricted to the dorsal cortex.^44–46 In the adult cortex of turtles, a layer of roughly cuboidal cell bodies, similar to ependymal cells, forms a limiting epithelium at the ventricular surface. RG cell processes are coated by innumerable lamellate excrescences to the extent that it is difficult to see the main fiber.⁴⁷ These cells have been referred to variously as ‘lamellate ependymal cells’, ‘ependymoglia cells’, and ‘RG cells’.^34,35,40 It has been speculated that RG cells are neuronal precursor cells in fish, lizard, and turtle.^48–50 However, it is not clear that adult cells referred to as RG cells are derived from, or share features with, embryonic RG cells. The dorsal cortex of the adult turtle shows low levels of constitutive proliferation, and glia with radial morphologies are found throughout the turtle central nervous system including regions that are not proliferative. RG cells in the adult turtle that have been described in previous studies resemble embryonic RG cells at a basic level, but appear to be much more differentiated. The radial organization of the adult turtle cortex may facilitate the migration of newly generated neurons to the pyramidal cell layer, but the identity of the precursor cells that produce neurons in the adult turtle remains in question.

To evaluate the morphology and proliferative activity of cells in the embryonic and adult VZ, we adapted in utero electroporation of plasmids⁵¹ for use on the turtle telencephalon. We show that VZ cells are proliferative in the embryonic turtle and express markers that label RG cells. We also find a second proliferative cell population consisting of Tbr2-expressing cells. In the adult turtle, we describe a morphologically heterogeneous population of cells in the VZ, particularly in the striatum and DVR where proliferation is most active. Our results suggest that while turtle embryonic RG cells resemble those in developing mammalian cortex, RG like cells in the adult turtle telencephalon encompass a heterogeneous population. We describe 3 subclasses of adult RG cells and speculate that undifferentiated RG cells with simple radial processes likely represent the population of proliferative cells, while the more differentiated populations serve functions that are performed by astrocytes in the adult mammalian cortex.

Materials and Methods

Animals

After obtaining a license from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, turtles and eggs were purchased from Harvey Kliebert's Reptile Farm in Louisiana. All experimental protocols were approved and in accord with IACUC regulations and guidelines. Upon arrival, turtle eggs were incubated at 30°C in Hova-Bator thermal incubators with circulating fans. For histological analysis, embryos were removed from the egg shell and rapidly decapitated. Brains were removed and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde in 0.1 mM PBS, (4°C, pH 7.4) overnight, then stored in PBS until histologic processing. Embryos were staged according to Yntema.^52,53 The development of the telencephalic vesicle in stage 16–17 turtle embryos is comparable to that of mouse at E11.5, with postmitotic neurons first detected in a subpial position in the pallium. By stage 19, the DVR begins to protrude into the lateral ventricle, and by stage 23 the rapid expansion of the telencephalon slows.^54,55 We used turtle embryos from stages 15–23, which includes the majority of the corticogenic period. Turtle eggs were incubated for no more than one week before use. For electroporation procedures, juvenile/adult turtles were anaesthetized by chilling on ice for 15 minutes, before the brain was removed. For immunohistochemistry in fixed tissue, turtles were anaesthetized with ketamine (90 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg, Henry Schein, Port Washington) before transcardial perfusion with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and 4% paraformaldehyde. The majority of animals used had carapace length of 1–2 inches, which correlates roughly to 1 y of age. Three animals with 4–5 inch carapaces were also used.

Immunohistochemistry

For Nissl analysis, cryostat sections (20–30 microns) were prepared after cryoprotection in 20% sucrose in PBS and embedding in Tissue-Tek (Sakura, Torrance, CA) before freezing. For immunohistochemistry, fixed coronal slices were cut at 100–200 μm on a Vibratome (Ted Pella). For immunohistochemical analysis, sections were rinsed in PBS for 30 min, blocking for 1 hr (10% normal goat or horse serum as appropriate, 0.1% Triton X-100, and 0.2% gelatin in PBS), washed for 10 min in PBS, and incubated overnight at 4°C in primary antibody (dilutions as described below in 2% normal goat or horse serum as appropriate, 0.1% Triton X-100, and 0.04% gelatin in PBS). The next day sections were washed 3 times for 20 min in PBS, and incubated in secondary antibody for 1–2 hr (dilutions as described below in 2% normal goat or horse serum as appropriate, 0.1% Triton X-100, and 0.04% gelatin in PBS). Primary antibodies were obtained from the following sources and used at the indicated dilutions: fluorescein-conjugated rat monoclonal anti-BrdU (Accurate Chemical; 1:10), Cy2 or Cy3-conjugated monoclonal anti-BrdU (Molecular Probes; 1:10), mouse monoclonal 4A4 (Abcam; 1:1000), mouse anti-PCNA (Millipore, 1:200), rabbit anti-Tbr2 (Abcam, 1:500) and mouse monoclonal anti-vimentin (Sigma, 1:40). Secondary antibodies were obtained from the following source and used at the indicated dilution: Cy2, Cy3, or Cy5 conjugated goat anti-mouse (Jackson ImmunoResearch, West Grove, PA; 1:50). For BrdU immunohistochemistry, 100 μm sections were pretreated with 2 N HCl in PBS for 30 min at 37°C before blocking, and a fluorescently tagged primary antibody (see above). Fluorescent labeling of chromatin with Syto-11 (Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR) was performed by incubation of sections with 5 μM Syto-11 and 0.1% Triton X-100 in PBS for 30–45 min followed by washing 3 times for 10 min in PBS.

BrdU labeling

Two protocols of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) pulsing immunohistochemistry were used, in ovo and ex ovo. For in ovo BrdU application, an injection of BrdU (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) (25 mg/kg in 0.9% NaCl) was administered to incubated eggs 3 hrs before they were opened. After removing the embryo, the brain was dissected and incubated in 200 ml of oxygenated PBS for 1.5 hours to allow for washout. For ex ovo BrdU application in electroporated embryos, whole embryos in culture were incubated for 8 hours in medium containing 5 mg/ml BrdU. Medium without BrdU was then substituted for 5 hours for washout.

Electroporation

Electroporation of an EGFP-expressing plasmid was employed in both embryos and adults. The plasmid (pEGFP-N1, Clontech, Palo Alto, CA) contains the gene for EGFP under the control the CMV IE promoter/enhancer element. Plasmids were diluted to working concentrations of 2.0–5.0 μg/μL in PBS colored with India ink. Voltage was set at 50 V, duration, frequency, and total number of pulses was maintained at 5 pulses of 50 msec each with a 1-sec gap between pulses using a square-wave pulse generator (BTX ECM 830, San Diego). Ten mm diameter Tweezertrodes were used in both embryos and adults (BTX, San Diego).

Embryonic Electroporation (Fig. 1A): For culturing embryonic brain slices, eggs were rinsed several times in EtOH, scrubbed with iodine prep pads, and bathed in UV light for ∼30 minutes. Embryos were then removed from the shell and rinsed momentarily in EtOH before transfer to PBS. Thorough cleaning was critical for successful culturing, as was a separate set of dissection tools used to handle sterilized embryos. Electroporations were performed ex ovo in the whole embryo, resting in PBS. DNA was injected into the lateral ventricle and/or adjoining ventricle of the large optic tecta. After several minutes, pulses were delivered with the anode/cathode oriented ventral/dorsal, respectively. This approach labeled cells in the dorsal cortex. After an additional incubation of 10 minutes, embryos were either cultured whole, or slice-cultured (see below). Expression of EGFP was visible 8 hours later.

Figure 1.

Individual RG cells were labeled using electroporation. (A) In embryonic animals, ex ovo electroporation was used. Subsequently, brains were either cultured as coronally sectioned slices or cultured in the whole embryo. Electrodes were applied following a dorso-ventral orientation to label cells in the dorsal cortex. (B) In adult animals, the brain was removed, hemisected and embedded in agarose. Electrode positioning following a medio-lateral orientation to label cells in the DVR and striatum. After electroporation, brains were cut into slices and organotypic slice cultures prepared.

Adult Electroporation (Fig. 1B): The adult forebrain was removed, hemisected, and embedded in low melt temperature agarose (Sigma, St. Louis, MO; 1.5% agarose in PBS, pH 7.4). Embedding in agarose served to support the brain and prevent leakage of the plasmid from the brain ex vivo. After chilling on ice, an agarose block containing the forebrain was cut out, roughly in the shape of a triangle, taking care to trim closely on the sides for electrode contact. Plasmid was injected into the lateral ventricle through the medial wall. The anode was positioned at the lateral wall, and the electrode at the medial wall, so that the vector was aimed primarily into the DVR (Fig. 1B). A few minutes was allowed for the plasmid to spread. The embedded brain was then incubated in oxygenated ACSF for approximately 15 minutes before being sectioned coronally and transferred to slice culture. The first expression of EGFP was visible after 8 hours, with brightness increasing considerably thereafter.

Cell culture

Slice Culture (embryonic and adult): Brains were embedded in low-melt agarose (Fisher Biotech, Fair Lawn, NJ) and cut coronally at 300–400 μm using a Leica VT100S vibrating blade microtome (Nussloch, Germany). Slices were placed temporarily in PBS bubbled with 95% CO₂ and 5% O₂. Coronal slices were incubated at 30°C in a humidified 5% CO₂ incubator, on Millicell-CM culture inserts (Millipore, Bedford) in 6-well culture trays (Corning, Inc., Corning) with medium containing 66% BME, 25% Hanks, 5% FBS, 1% Pen/Strep/Glutamine (each from Gibco) and 0.66% d-(+)-glucose (Sigma). Cultures were removed briefly for time-lapse imaging.

Whole Embryo Culture: Whole embryo cultures were established because slice cultures, which successfully expressed the EGFP reporter, showed minimal migration and mitoses. Briefly, whole embryos were placed in 6-well culture trays in pre-warmed medium. The fluid level was adjusted to nearly submerge the embryo. The wells were sealed with parafilm to allow for gas exchange while preserving moisture. Embryos were incubated at 30°C in a humidified 5% CO₂ incubator, and left for up to 5 d. In general, cultures seemed healthy for up to 3 d before quality began to deteriorate.

Confocal imaging

All imaging was performed on an inverted Olympus Fluoview laser-scanning confocal microscope. Excitation/emission wavelengths used were 488/515 nm (EGFP, Cy2), 568/590 nm (Cy3), and 685/690 nm (Cy5). Z-series images were collected at 0.6-3 μm steps on a PC running Fluoview v3.3 software (Olympus). Images were contrast enhanced and assembled into montages.

Results

Radial glial cells are neurogenic in the embryonic turtle telencephalon

We labeled individual ependymal cells in the developing turtle telencephalon. We used ex ovo electroporation of the turtle brain with a plasmid containing the gene for EGFP under the control of the CMV promoter. Our protocol was similar to that used in utero to label cells in the rodent dorsal telencephalon.^51,56,57 In some cases we rotated the electrodes to target medio-ventral areas of the turtle telencephalon such as the DVR (Fig. 1). After electroporation, brains were either cultured as slices or as intact embryos. Slices were generally cultured for up to one week, but in several cases we incubated slice cultures for up to 4 weeks. We performed time-lapse in slice culture. We also used whole embryonic cultures. Electroporated areas in whole embryo cultures ranging from stage 17 to stage 23 could be maintained in culture for 3–5 d.

Electroporation of the embryonic turtle telencephalon with an EGFP-expressing plasmid labeled many cells with a mammalian RG-like morphology (Fig. 2A, stage 20)⁵⁷. We refer to these cells as RG cells. Most of the EGFP+ cells were bipolar, maintaining one process contacting the ventricle and a pial process extending toward the pial surface (Fig. 2B). RG cells had cell bodies both at and away from the ventricular surface (Fig. 2B₁ and B₂). There were often small expansions or processes that extended from the main shaft of the pial process (Fig. 2B₃ and B₄). In more developed embryos (stage 23), RG cells often exhibited pial processes with bifurcated and ‘hairy’ or lamellate fibers (Fig. 2B₅). The ventricular contacting process of embryonic RG cells showed heterogeneity (Fig. 2C). Some ventricular contacting processes were similar to classical descriptions of mammalian embryonic RG cells (Fig. 2C₁ and C₂), while others were large and complex (Fig. 2C₃ and C₄), enough so that they could be mistaken for additional cell bodies at lower magnification. Electroporation labeling of VZ cells demonstrated that pial fibers exhibited heterogeneous morphology (Fig. 2D). Smooth processes, as commonly seen in embryonic rodents, were more prevalent in younger animals where most VZ cells exhibited a simple bipolar morphology (Fig. 2D₁). In addition, we observed RG cells that showed expansions budding off of the pial process (Fig. 2D₂), or within the process (Fig. 2D₃). In some instances, the process expansions were the size of cell bodies and could be mistakenly interpreted as newborn neurons migrating along the RG fiber (Fig. 2D₃). Finally, pial processes with complex ‘lamellate’ extensions became more common in more mature embryos (Fig. 2D₄).

Figure 2.

Electroporation of the embryonic turtle telencephalon with an EGFP-expressing plasmid labels many cells with RG morphology. (A) At 24 hours post-electroporation of a stage 20 embryo, an array of EGFP+ cells in the dorsal cortex show RG morphology. (B) At higher magnification a variety of morphologies are seen. RG cells in different phases of the cell cycle are apparent (B₁, B₂). Small expansions are often present along the length of the pial process (B₃, B₄). A smaller number of EGFP+ cells in the VZ do not appear to have a pial process. These may be newly generated neurons, intermediate progenitor cells, or RG cells. At later stages (stage 23), cells are found with bifurcated or branched pial processes, and ‘hairy’ or more lamellate fibers (B₅). (C) A variety of ventricular contacting processes are seen. Some processes are typical for embryonic RG cells seen in rodents (C₁, C₂) while others are more complex (C₃, C₄). (D) RG cells exhibit different heterogeneous morphologies. D₁, RG cells in younger animals often have a smooth pial process. In many cases expansions bud off of the process (D₂) or in line with the process (D₃). As development proceeds RG cell pial fibers exhibit more mature ‘lamellate’ fibers (D₄). Scale bars: A, 50 μm; B, 10 μm; C,D, 10 μm.

We examined the activity of electroporated cells in slice cultures and whole embryo cultures through time-lapse observation and/or pulse labeling with BrdU. In slice culture, we imaged labeled cells every 2–3 hours for up to 5 d. The example in Figure 3A is a representative example of electroporation labeled cells after 12 hours and 36 hours in slice culture. We observed cell movement in slice culture. Electroporated cells often exhibited RG morphology with a process contacting the ventricle at early timepoints (Fig. 3A₁). However, at later time points the RG cell bodies had moved away from the ventricular surface either through migration or perhaps translocation. Translocation of proliferative RG cells out of the VZ has been shown in time-lapse experiments in rat,^15,16 and more recently in human,⁵⁸ and mouse.⁵⁹ In some cases the turtle RG cells that moved away from the ventricle still maintained contact with the ventricle (Fig. 3A₂). When we incubated slices for up to 4 weeks, EGFP+ cells with mature neuronal morphologies appeared in the pyramidal cell layer (Fig. 3B and C). Figure 3C shows a cell with neuronal morphology located superficial to the proliferating ependymal cells in the VZ. It is possible that over weeks, labeled cells underwent division in the slice culture but we did not capture the mitoses. The appearance of neurons in the pyramidal cell layer is consistent with this idea.

Figure 3.

RG cells migrate, exhibit cellular movements, and proliferate in organotypic slice cultures and in whole embryo cultures. (A) RG cells in the embryonic turtle telencephalon labeled through electroporation. Shown are 2 time points, 12 hours and 36 hours. Electroporated cells were adjacent to the ventricle at early time points (A₁), but at later time points, some RG cell bodies had translocated away from the ventricular surface (A₂). (B and C) Slice cultures allowed to incubate for up to 4 weeks contained cells with mature neuronal morphologies. In C, the neuron (arrow) is located just superficial to the proliferating area of ependymal cells (arrowhead). (D and E) Representative examples of dorsal cortex that were incubated in whole embryos cultures for 12 hours (D) and 3 d (E). At 12 hours, RG cell bodies were close to the ventricle. At 72 hours, many electroporated cells had migrated or translocated into the cortex (arrows in E). (F) Whole embryos cultured with a pulse of BrdU. Left panel shows a single electroporated RG cell (green). The second panel is a higher power image of the same cell. BrdU staining revealed many mitotic cells (red), including GFP+ RG cells that were BrdU+ (green, arrowheads). The right panel is a negative control BrdU staining. DAPI stain (blue) labels all nuclei. Scale bars: A, B, C, 20 μm; D, E, 100 μm; F, 5 μm.

We next tested the activity of electroporated cells in whole embryo cultures. Electroporations were carried out as described above, but rather than prepare slice cultures, whole embryos were maintained in culture conditions for 3 d or more. The whole embryo cultures appeared to be well preserved for 3 d or longer. We found higher levels of cell migration among electroporated cells in the whole embryos, perhaps, in part, because endogenous growth factors and cell-cell signaling pathways are better preserved in the intact preparation. Twelve hours after electroporation, EGFP-labeled RG cells were close to the ventricular surface (Fig. 3D), but after 72 hours, many labeled cells were located in the cortex (arrows in Fig. 3E), occasionally retaining contact with cells in the VZ (arrow at far right in Fig. 3E). These data suggests the production of neuronal cells that migrate from the VZ to the pyramidal cell layer. To determine if RG cells were indeed proliferative in the whole embryo cultures, we added the thymidine analog BrdU to culture media for 8 hours. We noted intense BrdU labeling in the culture, demonstrating high levels of proliferation in the whole embryo culture. Furthermore, we found examples of EGFP-labeled RG cells colabeled with BrdU (Fig. 3F), demonstrating specifically that RG cells divided in the whole embryo culture. Less than 20% of the EGFP+ cells showed BrdU immunoreactivity after the BrdU pulse. However, this approach to gauging in vivo proliferation likely underestimates RG cell proliferation in the developing turtle telencephalon.

Mitotic cells express 4A4 and divide within the VZ and SVZ

To determine what proportion of the BrdU+ dividing cells we observed in the whole embryo cultures might be RG cells, we co-stained freshly fixed embryonic cortical tissue with syto-11 and anti-phosphorylated vimentin antibodies. Vimentin is phosphorylated by the cell cycle kinase cdc2 during cytokinesis.⁶⁰ Antibodies raised against the cdc2 phosphorylation site on vimentin, termed 4A4, label M-phase RG cells,⁵ intermediate progenitor cells in the SVZ,⁵⁷ and translocating RG cells,⁵⁷ but not other dividing cell populations such as microglia.⁶¹

We labeled cortical slabs of the turtle telencephalon, in which the ventricular surface is exposed, with the chromatin dye syto-11 and 4A4. Syto-11 staining of the ventricular surface revealed M-phase cells (Fig. 4A). In all cases, dividing cells strongly colabeled with 4A4 (Fig. 4B). Similarly, M-phase cells from prophase through telophase could be identified dividing at the surface of the ventricle in coronal sections (Fig. 4C). In coronal sections of the embryonic turtle cortex, the radial pial fibers of the 4A4+ cells were labeled brightly as we have shown in embryonic rat cortex⁵. In addition, the 4A4 immunostaining showed that dividing RG cells in the turtle cortex maintained the pial process throughout division as reported in mammals.^{5,13,15,16,57,61} In telophase, the pial fiber associated with one of the 2 daughter cells, indicating which daughter cell inherits the pial fiber, as shown in embryonic rat.¹⁶ After a brief 3 hour in ovo BrdU pulse, all S-phase cells were located in an abventricular position, several cell bodies away from the ventricle (Fig. 4D), while most 4A4 labeled cells were directly at the ventricular surface, consistent with the occurrence of interkinetic nuclear migration in the developing turtle VZ. Importantly, these data demonstrate that cell division occurs at a much higher rate in whole embryo culture of the turtle brain, than in coronal slice cultures.

Figure 4.

M-phase cells in the embryonic turtle VZ express the RG lineage marker phosphorylated vimentin (4A4) and reveal RG cell morphology. (A) En face cortical slab stained with syto-11 (green) and 4A4 (red). All M-phase cells at the ventricular surface express 4A4. (B) 4A4 robustly labels M-phase cells throughout mitosis. (C) In coronal sections 4A4 labeled mitotic cells lining the ventricle that possessed pial fibers coursing out through the parenchyma. Pial fibers were most robust in prophase, but a thin process remained throughout division. (D) A brief BrdU (blue) pulse shows that S-phase cells are found in an abventricular position at the top of the VZ while 4A4+ cells mitotic cells were located at the ventricular surface, indicating interkinetic nuclear migration in the developing turtle telencephalon. Scale bars: A, 20 μm; B, 5 μm; C, 10 μm; D, 20 μm.

Tbr2 expressing intermediate progenitor cells are present in the embryonic turtle cortex

Since we observed mitotic cells both at the ventricle and away from the ventricle, we asked whether intermediate progenitor cells were present in the developing turtle telencephalon. Tbr2 expressing neural precursor cells in the SVZ were originally described by Hevner and colleagues in mouse.⁶² The Tbr2+ precursor cells define the SVZ and have since been shown in many species including rat,¹⁶ human,^58,63 ferret,^57,63,64 and monkey.⁵⁷ Time-lapse imaging studies of embryonic rodent slice cultures indicate that Tbr2+ progenitors, referred to as intermediate or basal progenitors^15,65,66 arise from asymmetric divisions of RG cells.^15,16 We stained turtle tissue with anti-Tbr2 antibodies and found that many Tbr2+ cells were present in the proliferative zones of the dorsal cortex and the DVR during neurogenic periods. Counterstaining with the mitotic cell marker PCNA confirmed that the Tbr2+ cells were proliferative, as in the mammalian SVZ. Of special interest we noted that the Tbr2+ cells were scattered throughout the VZ in the dorsal cortex of the turtle (Fig. 5), similar to the distribution of Tbr2+ cells in embryonic rat cortex before the appearance of the SVZ.¹⁶ In contrast, the distribution of Tbr2+ cells in the DVR resembled that of species that possess a true SVZ: Tbr2 cells were concentrated in a band superficial to the VZ (Fig. 5B). These data demonstrate that turtles such as Trachemys scripta elegans possess components of the SVZ.

Figure 5.

Tbr2-expressing intermediate progenitor cells are present in the developing turtle telencephalon. (A) A coronal section of a stage 20 turtle embryo immunostained with anti-PCNA (green) and anti-Tbr2 (red), and costained with DAPI (blue). (B and C) The distribution of Tbr2+ cells (red) differs in the dorsal cortex versus the dorsal DVR. Tbr2+ cells are distributed throughout the VZ in the dorsal cortex, but concentrate in a band superficial to the VZ in the DVR, as is seen in the developing mammalian neocortex.

Three subtypes of adult RG cells in the turtle VZ: Lamellate, protoplasmic, and undifferentiated

In the postnatal turtle VZ cells continue to proliferate, and most proliferation occurs in the ventricular wall underlying the DVR and striatum.⁴³ We therefore examined the morphology of individual RG cells in proliferative areas. We used electroporation to label individual RG cells in the adult telencephalon. We observed RG cells with heterogeneous morphologies that we grouped into 3 categories based on the classification scheme of Stensaas & Stensaas in turtle and bird.⁶⁷ The 3 categories, defined primarily by morphology of the pial fiber, are lamellate (L, Fig. 6A_a and A_b), protoplasmic (P, Fig. 6A_c–A_e), and undifferentiated (U, Fig. 6A_f). Previous work has described lamellate cells among ependymal cell types in the turtle telencephalon.⁶⁷ However, the few Golgi studies performed in turtle have found a very dense labeling of cell bodies, compared to other vertebrates, which have been difficult to interpret. This may be due in part to the prevalence of the ‘hairy’ lamellate fibers that obscure nearby cells. Our labeling technique suggests that lamellar and protoplasmic RG cells constituted the majority of RG cell morphological types in the adult turtle, with a minority of cells, approximately 10%, exhibiting the undifferentiated phenotype that is more common in the embryonic turtle brain.

Figure 6.

Electroporation of the adult turtle telencephalon reveals heterogeneous RG cells that we grouped into 3 categories distinguishable by their pial fiber morphology. Lamellate RG cells (L, A_a, A_b); Protoplasmic RG cells (P, A_c−A_e); and Undifferentiated RG cells (U, A_f). (B) Further examples of the 3 cell types identified by letter under each image. (C) Lamellate RG cells have pial fibers possessing ‘hairy’ fine extensions, and a pial fiber that in some cases had multiple branches within the parenchyma. (D) Comparison of the pial fiber of the 3 cell types in higher magnification images. Protoplasmic fibers had many smooth expansions. Cell bodies were located at the ventricle and away from the ventricle. Protoplasmic RG cells had the most diverse cellular morphologies. Undifferentiated fiber types were smooth and traceable through the pyramidal cell layer and for several hundred micrometers into the parenchyma. They arose from smaller cell bodies most frequently found close to the ventricle (B and C). (E) Schematic showing the 3 classes of RG cells and their overlapping distribution (E_d). We hypothesize that undifferentiated RG cells retain the capacity for proliferation. Scale bars: A, B, C, 10 μm; D, 3 μm.

Lamellate RG cells (Fig. 6D_a) were ‘hairy’ – their pial fibers possessed many fine lateral extensions. Lamellar cells either extended a single radial fiber to the pia, or had bifurcated or multiple branched processes within the parenchyma (Fig. 6D_b) that terminated before reaching the pia (Fig. 6A_b and C_a). Protoplasmic RG cells had many smooth rounded expansions along the pial fiber. Protoplasmic RG cell bodies were located both at the ventricular surface (Fig. 6A_c) and away from the ventricle (Fig. 6A_d and A_e). Protoplasmic RG cells exhibited the most diverse cellular morphologies, with cellular processes appearing to follow fiber tracts or associate with synapses, as in some other species.⁶⁸ Undifferentiated RG cells in the turtle resembled interphase RG cells in the embryonic rodent (Fig. 6D_c). Undifferentiated RG cells had smooth pial fibers that could be traced through the pyramidal cell layer and for several hundred microns, but not all the way to the pia. Undifferentiated RG cells were bipolar, possessed both pial and ventricular contacting processes, had smaller cell bodies, and were frequently positioned at least one cell body away from the ventricular surface (Fig. 6B and C_a,b). The undifferentiated RG cells may be similar to cells with this morphology that have been functionally and physiologically characterized in the turtle spinal cord.^29,69 The schematic in Figure 6E shows the 3 classes of cells (Fig. 6E_a,b,c), as well as the overlapping distribution of these cell types in the adult VZ (Fig. 6E_d).

Discussion

We used BrdU and M-phase labeling to confirm that RG cells proliferate, and to show that RG cells constitute the major dividing cell class in the embryonic turtle brain. We show that precursor cells divide in abventricular positions in the embryonic turtle telencephalon, and that Tbr2+ cells are present in both the dorsal cortex and DVR of the developing turtle brain. Previous studies have suggested that the turtle lacks a true anatomically defined SVZ,⁷⁰ while our previous work indicated the presence of rudimentary elements of the SVZ in lateral portions of the turtle cortex.⁷² Our present results support our previous suggestions by showing that Tbr2+ cells are present in the turtle cortex. This shows that elements of the mammalian SVZ are present in the turtle cortex, and indicates that Tbr2+ precursor cells may have been present in the common ancestor of mammals and reptiles. Furthermore, the presence of mitotic Tbr2-expressing cells in the developing turtle brain suggests that the cellular mechanism by which cortical neurons are generated through intermediate progenitor cells evolved prior to its appearance in mammals. Importantly, since the turtle cortex is a simplified structure with a single layer of pyramidal neurons, our data provide further support for the idea that Tbr2 cells contribute neurons to this cortical layer. Indeed, previous work in mammals has suggested that Tbr2+ intermediate progenitor cells produce cortical neurons destined for each layer.⁷¹ Our data are consistent with this view and suggest the possibility that Tbr2+ precursor cells produce the majority of excitatory cortical neurons. Finally, we show that in the adult turtle RG cells are heterogeneous, particularly in the subpallium where most proliferation occurs.⁴³

Embryonic RG cells

Our results demonstrate that embryonic RG cells in the turtle telencephalon share several key features with those in the embryonic mammalian telencephalon. Embryonic RG cells in the turtle exhibit the same bipolar morphology as do mammalian RG cells, and undergo division at the surface of the ventricle. Mitotic RG cells could also be labeled with antibodies directed against phosphorylated vimentin. We can also infer that embryonic turtle RG cells produce Tbr2+ intermediate progenitor cells and, indirectly, cortical neurons (Fig 5). The demonstration that turtle RG cells share key characteristics with mammalian RG cells suggests that the basic paradigm for neuron production in the developing brain is widely present throughout vertebrates. Our data indicate that the 2-step pattern of neurogenesis first described in rodents,⁷² RG cell > Intermediate Progenitor cell > Neuron, was either present in the common ancestor of reptiles and mammals, or evolved independently in each clade.

Adult RG cells

In mammals RG cells transform into astrocytes at the end of the neurogenic period,^15,73-77 but a subset of radial glia-like GFAP-expressing astrocytes function as adult neural precursor cells in both the cortical SVZ⁷⁸ and hippocampal dentate gyrus.⁷⁹ While mammalian RG cells exhibit robust neurogenic potential embryonically, the potential of adult astrocytes is reduced in cell type, cell number, and level of proliferation.⁸⁰ In rodents, neurogenic astrocytes in the SVZ contact the lateral ventricle,⁸¹ while the neurogenic astrocytes in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, which derives from the SVZ, no longer appear to maintain an association with the ventricle.^82,83

In several non-mammalian vertebrates, new neurons are generated in adulthood, and migrate to most or all regions of the telencephalon.^23,43,84 In turtles, new neurons are found in abundance in the olfactory bulbs and in lower numbers in the dorsal cortex.⁴³ Nevertheless, all major regions of the adult turtle telencephalon appear to incorporate new neurons. However, in adult mammals, only the olfactory bulb and hippocampus are widely acknowledged to be sites that normally permit incorporation of new neurons. It is unclear what makes the turtle cortex permissive to receiving new neurons, but following cortical injury, the amount of adult neurogenesis is increased leading to replacement of the lost neurons.^48,85

It will be interesting to examine the factors regulating the neurogenic potential of neural precursor cells, and the genetic or epigenetic factors that make a region receptive to new neurons. In the mammalian hippocampus, for instance, aspects of tissue architecture and glia-vascular organization have been proposed to serve as pro-neurogenic factors.⁸⁶

One classic feature of RG cells is their role as migrational guides for newborn neurons. There is a tight association between RG cell processes and migrating neurons.^87,88 In the adult turtle, the highly differentiated pial process of lamellar and protoplasmic RG cells may interfere with close associations between migrating neurons and radial glia fibers. In contrast, the smooth radial processes of undifferentiated RG cells may serve this function in the adult turtle, as in embryonic mammals.

Preceding the discovery that RG cells are neural precursor cells in mammals, evidence suggested that they also play this role in other species. It was demonstrated that mitotic ‘hotspots’ in the adult bird brain were neurogenic niches containing many RG cells.⁸⁹ There were also reports of adult neurogenesis in teleost, with proposals that RG cells serve as neural precursor cells and guide neuronal migration in the intact and damaged brain.⁹⁰ RG cells are thought to persist throughout adult life in the central nervous system of many, if not all, cartilaginous and bony fishes.^24,26,91-98 The first and most convincing evidence of neurogenic RG cells in adult non-mammalian vertebrates came from studies in birds. In adult birds, vimentin-positive radial cells send long undivided fibers that reach most parts of the telencephalic gray matter, resembling RG cells in embryonic mammalian cortex.⁸⁴ These radial cells divide and produce young neurons,⁹⁹ indicating that embryonic traits are retained in adulthood, in some species.

We show that RG cells in the adult turtle comprise a heterogeneous population. Adult ependymal cells in the VZ of both avian and lizard have been examined closely by electron microscopy. In these species the apparent heterogeneity has led to descriptions of subclasses of ependymal cells based on key features of the cell body. Russo et al. have also described several classes of RG cells in turtle spinal cord.²⁹ One class of cells expresses the glial cell marker S100 and displays morphological and electrophysiological features of RG cells, while a second class of S100+ cells exhibit higher input resistance and outward rectification. In addition, some cells contacting the central canal of the spinal cord express HuC/D - a marker of immature neurons - and fire action potentials. The same group reported that the cells surrounding the central canal of the turtle spinal cord formed radial conglomerates in such a way that the RG lamellae envelop immature neurons. They also used electron microscopy to show the presence of gap junctions interconnecting clusters of RG cells. Furthermore, Russo, Trujillo-Cenóz and colleagues showed the presence of a single cilium associated with a conspicuous centrosomal complex in the cell apical zone.⁶⁹ They reasoned that the coexistence of cells with functional properties of precursor-like cells and immature neurons suggests that the region surrounding the central canal in adult turtle is a site of active neurogenesis.^29,100 Lazzari and Franceschini have also described a heterogeneous pattern of astroglial cells in the spinal cord of the soft-shell turtle.¹⁰¹ We identified 3 categories of RG cells based primarily on pial fiber morphology. These distinct RG cell types suggest diversity of RG cell function in the adult brain. Based on our current findings we hypothesize that: undifferentiated RG cells retain the capacity for neurogenic proliferation and migration guidance; that lamellate cells are similar to fibrous astrocytes; and that protoplasmic ependymoglia are similar to protoplasmic astrocytes in mammals and birds. Furthermore, we propose that lamellate and protoplasmic RG cells perform functions characteristic of non-neurogenic astrocytes in the adult mammalian brain, such as regulating synapse function. Supporting this idea, previous work has reported that lamellate Bergmann glia in the developing cerebellum regulate synapse formation.¹⁰² Previous work has highlighted the finding that the turtle telencephalon is devoid of astrocytes.^35,40 The diverse RG cell types of the adult brain therefore likely represent the functional equivalent of astroglial cells in the mammalian brain.

Conclusion

We have provided evidence consistent with the concept that RG cells are neuronal precursor cells in the developing turtle telencephalon. We have also shown that elements of the SVZ, specifically mitotic Tbr2+ cells, are present in the developing turtle telencephalon. Furthermore, we have presented evidence consistent with the hypothesis that RG cells remain proliferative in the adult turtle. We also demonstrated 3 basic subclasses of RG cells in the adult turtle. The turtle may prove to be a useful model for studying adult neurogenesis based on several features. First, reptiles have extended growing periods, with brain size expanding over decades. Secondly, freshwater species are resistant to anoxia, facilitating in vitro experimentation.^104,105 Thirdly, turtles are generally thought to stem from the common ancestor of reptiles and mammals.^106,107 Certainly, the neuroanatomy of the turtle suggests that it has maintained an early representation of the laminated cortex, unique even among reptiles. Free astrocytes, which are widespread in other reptiles such as the crocodile, are limited in lizards and snakes, but not present in the turtle.¹⁰⁸ The turtle's adult RG cell architecture and lack of free astrocytes may be a shared feature with the stem reptile, and one that is recapitulated at early stages in the developing mammalian brain. The turtle has much to contribute to our understanding of telencephalic evolution, adult neurogenesis, and the potential for reclaiming this ability in the future.

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Funding

This work was supported by the Shriners Hospitals, the NIH (MH 094681 to VMC; MH 101188 to SCN; NS 21223 to ARK), and the UC Davis MIND Institute.