Fig. 4.

Individual cortical progenitors can generate both protoplasmic and pial astrocytes. a–c Examples of homogeneous clones of PrA (a) or PiA (b) and heterogeneous clones containing both astrocyte types (c). d PrA, PiA, and heterogenous clones were found in stable proportions (respectively 76%, 5%, and 19% of clones) throughout postnatal development (P4–P7–P21), with a significant majority of homogeneous PrA. e Heterogeneous astrocyte clones comprise significantly larger number of cells than homogeneous PrA clones. f PrA clones whose barycenter is located in the upper half of the cortex (U) are larger than those in lower layers (L) at P4, P7, and P21. Clone barycenter is calculated using the mean of sister cells relative DV positions. g Examples of intermediate morphologies between PiA and PrA observed at P21, presenting both fibroblast-like features at one extremity and bushy ramifications at the other extremity. Graph values indicate means ± s.e.m. Kruskal–Wallis associated with Dunn’s multiple comparisons statistical tests have been performed. **** indicates p value < 0.0001. N = 9 animals. Scale bars: 50 µm