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Neural stem cells (NSCs) generate new hippocampal dentate granule neurons throughout adulthood. The genetic programs controlling neuronal differentiation of adult NSCs are only poorly understood. Here we show that, in the adult mouse hippocampus, expression of the SoxC transcription factors Sox4 and Sox11 is initiated around the time of neuronal commitment of adult NSCs and is maintained in immature neurons. Overexpression of Sox4 and Sox11 strongly promotes in vitro neurogenesis from adult NSCs, whereas ablation of Sox4/Sox11 prevents in vitro and in vivo neurogenesis from adult NSCs. Moreover, we demonstrate that SoxC transcription factors target the promoters of genes that are induced on neuronal differentiation of adult NSCs. Finally, we show that reprogramming of astroglia into neurons is dependent on the presence of SoxC factors. These data identify SoxC proteins as essential contributors to the genetic network controlling neuronal differentiation in adult neurogenesis and neuronal reprogramming of somatic cells [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines medical studies which explore the neurogenic potential of progenitor cells. The neural circuitry of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is examined by the scientists to repair damages caused by traumatic injury or neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, the procedures on how to prevent the loss of β-catenin signaling that affects hippocampal neurogenesis found in the impairment of neuronal maturation is also considered.