miR-124 regulates adult neurogenesis in the SVZ stem cell niche

The subventricular zone (SVZ) is the largest neurogenic niche in the adult mammalian brain. Here we show that the brain-enriched microRNA miR-124 is an important regulator of the temporal progression of adult neurogenesis in mice. Knockdown of endogenous miR-124 maintains purified SVZ stem cells as dividing precursors, whereas ectopic expression leads to precocious and increased neuron formation. Furthermore, blocking miR-124 function during regeneration leads to hyperplasias followed by a delayed burst of neurogenesis. We identify the SRY-box transcription factor Sox9 to be a physiological target of miR-124 at the transition from transit amplifying cell to neuroblast stage. Sox9 over-expression abolishes neuronal differentiation whereas Sox9 knockdown leads to increased neuron formation. Thus, miR-124 mediated repression of Sox9 is important for progression along the SVZ stem cell lineage to neurons.