PRDM16 restricts stem cell proliferation by integrating BMP and Wnt signalling in the developing choroid plexus

Cell proliferation, quiescence and differentiation are well balanced during organismal growth and tissue homeostasis. Understanding how such balance is achieved is crucial for tackling disease mechanisms such as those in cancer and neurological disorders. Here we have identified PRDM16 as a key regulator for BMP-induced neural stem cell (NSC) quiescence. PRDM16 acts as a co-repressor in the BMP pathway to repress cell proliferation genes. Such function of PRDM16 is required for the proper specification of choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells. Using a single-cell resolution fluorescent in situ approach, we show that NSC proliferation and Wnt pathway genes are abnormally elevated in the Prdm16 mutant ChP. These findings uncover an essential function of PRDM16 in stem cell regulation, Wnt and BMP signalling. PRDM16 is a cell fate determinant in multiple tissue types. Our finding opens a possibility that PRDM16 uses similar strategies in relevant contexts and disease conditions. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.