Figure 3. Reversible overexpression of Klf9 in mature DGCs modulates activation of NSCs and neuronal competition dynamics.
A - F) Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is reversibly enhanced in mDGK/K mice. (A) Images show labeling for DCX, Tbr2, MCM2, and BrdU. (B) Schematic indicates experimental design for Fig. 3A, C-J. (C) Reversible expansion of the DCX+ population in 9TBD treated mDG K/K mice (n=5,3 immediate, n=6,7 chase). (D) Increased number of progenitors (Tbr2+), (E) reversible enhancement of dividing cells (MCM2+) (n=3,3), and (F) enhanced survival of 5 week-old adult-born cells in GCL of 9TBD-treated mDGK/K mice (n=3,3).
G - J) NSC activation is reversibly enhanced in mDGK/K mice. (G) Representative images of activation of NSCs (arrowheads, Nestin+ MCM2+) with boxes to indicate magnified region. (H) Quantification of G (n=7,7). (I) Representative images of activated NSCs in vehicle and 9TBD-treated mDGK/K;NestinGFP/+mice. (J) Quantification of I (n=3,4).
K) Dendritic spine density of mature DGCs is inversely correlated with the number of DCX+ cells in dorsal DG. Dots represent individual animals. Scale bar: 100µm, 20 µm (A), 100µm (G,I).