Regulation of Progenitor Cell Survival by a Novel Chromatin Remodelling Factor during Neural Tube Development.

During development, progenitor cell survival is essential for proper tissue functions, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we show that ERCC6L2, a member of the Snf2 family of helicase-like proteins, plays an essential role in the survival of developing chick neural cells. ERCC6L2 expression is induced by the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling molecule by a mechanism similar to that of the known Shh target genes Ptch1 and Gli1. ERCC6L2 rescues programmed cell death induced by Shh inhibition and this inhibition is independent of neural tube patterning. Inhibition of ERCC6L2 expression by siRNA resulted in the aberrant appearance of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, ERCC6L2 cooperates with Shh signal and plays an essential role in the induction of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. Taken together, ERCC6L2 acts as a key factor in ensuring the survival of neural progenitor cells. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.