Adult neurogenesis, a process that consists in the generation of new neurons from adult neural stem cells, represents a remarkable illustration of the brain structural plasticity abilities. The hypothalamus, a brain region that plays a key role in the neuroendocrine regulations including reproduction, metabolism or food intake, houses neural stem cells located within a hypothalamic neurogenic niche. In adult sheep, a seasonal mammalian species, previous recent studies have revealed photoperiod-dependent changes in the hypothalamic cell proliferation rate. In addition, doublecortin (DCX), a microtubule-associated protein expressed in immature migrating neurons, is highly present in the vicinity of the hypothalamic neurogenic niche. With the aim to further explore the mechanism underlying adult sheep hypothalamic neurogenesis, we first show that new neuron production is also seasonally regulated since the density of DCX-positive cells changes according to the photoperiodic conditions at various time points of the year. We then demonstrate that cyclin-dependant kinase-5 (Cdk5) and p35, two proteins involved in DCX phosphorylation and known to be critically involved in migration processes, are co-expressed with DCX in young hypothalamic neurons and are capable of in vivo interaction. Finally, to examine the migratory potential of these adult-born neurons, we reveal the rostro-caudal extent of DCX labeling on hypothalamic sagittal planes. DCX-positive cells are found in the most rostral nuclei of the hypothalamus, including the preoptic area many of which co-expressed estrogen receptor-α. Thus, beyond the confirmation of the high level of neuron production during short photoperiod in sheep, our results bring new and compelling elements in support of the existence of a hypothalamic migratory path that is responsive to seasonal stimuli.

Choroid plexus epithelial cells produce and secrete transthyretin (TTR). TTR binds and distributes thyroid hormone (TH) to brain cells via the cerebrospinal fluid. The adult murine subventricular zone (SVZ) is in close proximity to the choroid plexus. In the SVZ, TH determines neural stem cell (NSC) fate towards a neuronal or a glial cell. We investigated whether the loss of TTR also disrupted NSC fate choice. Our results show a decreased neurogenic versus oligodendrogenic balance in the lateroventral SVZ of Ttr knockout mice. This balance was also decreased in the dorsal SVZ, but only in Ttr knockout male mice, concomitant with an increased oligodendrocyte precursor density in the corpus callosum. Quantitative RTqPCR analysis following FACS-dissected SVZs, or marked-coupled microbeads sorting of in vitro neurospheres, showed elevated Ttr mRNA levels in neuronal cells, as compared to uncommitted precursor and glial cells. However, TTR protein was undetectable in vivo using immunostaining, and this despite the presence of Ttr mRNA-expressing SVZ cells. Altogether, our data demonstrate that TTR is an important factor in SVZ neuro- and oligodendrogenesis. They also reveal important gender-specific differences and spatial heterogeneity, providing new avenues for stimulating endogenous repair in neurodegenerative diseases.