Uncovering inherent cellular plasticity of multiciliated ependyma leading to ventricular wall transformation and hydrocephalus

Abstract

Multiciliated ependymal cells (ECs) in the mammalian brain are glial cells facilitating cerebral spinal fluid movement. This study describes an inherent cellular plasticity of ECs as maintained by Foxj1 and IKK2 signaling, and shows resulting hydrocephalus when EC de-differentiation is triggered.