How the extracellular matrix shapes neural development

During development, both cells and tissues must acquire the correct shape to allow their proper function. This is especially relevant in the nervous system, where the shape of individual cell processes, such as the axons and dendrites, and the shape of entire tissues, such as the folding of the neocortex, are highly specialized. While many aspects of neural development have been uncovered, there are still several open questions concerning the mechanisms governing cell and tissue shape. In this review, we discuss the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in these processes. In particular, we consider how the ECM regulates cell shape, proliferation, differentiation and migration, and more recent work highlighting a key role of ECM in the morphogenesis of neural tissues.


Should the paper be seen by a specialist statistical reviewer? No
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Do you have any ethical concerns with this paper? No
Comments to the Author 1) The major emphasis is on the work of the authors and hence on the basal lamina and interactions of the neural stem cells with these. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are mentioned, but solely with reference to chondroitinase ABC treatment. Some information relating to the types of chondroitin sulfate and the families of core proteins that expose them should be provided.
2) The authors also mention heparin sulfate proteoglycans. They might mention that both syndecans and glypicans have been distinguished in neural tissues. Some of these proteoglycans regulate integrin functions, which is one focus of the review.
3) The authors discuss laminins and also their potential roles in FGF-signalling towards neural stem cells. Therefore, they should mention the fractones, laminin-based structures that have been proposed to serve as storage scaffolds for FGF2.
4) The authors devote some attention to reelin; therefore, they should also briefly comment on the classical signalling pathway. 5) In figure 3 the authors show the formation of gyri in an explant of human neocortex. They should specify how the matrix components were applied to the tissue -as soluble proteins or as plasmids/viruses? While details are part of the publication cited some information should be summarized here to obtain an understanding of experiment that is documented. 6) Because hyaluronic acid seems important in controlling neural folding the human cortex the authors might comment the expression of lecticans in the model they discuss. 7) In figure 1 E the presentation could be improved. While in the panels A-D it is indicated whether Itgs are blocked or stimulated this information is missing in the graphic scheme. Thereby it lacks clarity, it is not apparent whether stimulation or deletion/inactivation of the ECM components or receptors causes the effects regarding stem cell proliferation.

27-Nov-2018
Dear Dr Long, We are pleased to inform you that your manuscript RSOB-18-0216 entitled "How the extracellular matrix shapes neural development" has been accepted by the Editor for publication in Open Biology. The reviewer has recommended publication, but also suggest some minor revisions to your manuscript. Therefore, we invite you to respond to the reviewer's comments and revise your manuscript.
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The Open Biology Team mailto:openbiology@royalsociety.org Reviewer's Comments to Author: 1) The major emphasis is on the work of the authors and hence on the basal lamina and interactions of the neural stem cells with these. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are mentioned, but solely with reference to chondroitinase ABC treatment. Some information relating to the types of chondroitin sulfate and the families of core proteins that expose them should be provided.
2) The authors also mention heparin sulfate proteoglycans. They might mention that both syndecans and glypicans have been distinguished in neural tissues. Some of these proteoglycans regulate integrin functions, which is one focus of the review.
3) The authors discuss laminins and also their potential roles in FGF-signalling towards neural stem cells. Therefore, they should mention the fractones, laminin-based structures that have been proposed to serve as storage scaffolds for FGF2.
4) The authors devote some attention to reelin; therefore, they should also briefly comment on the classical signalling pathway. 5) In figure 3 the authors show the formation of gyri in an explant of human neocortex. They should specify how the matrix components were applied to the tissue -as soluble proteins or as plasmids/viruses? While details are part of the publication cited some information should be summarized here to obtain an understanding of experiment that is documented. 6) Because hyaluronic acid seems important in controlling neural folding the human cortex the authors might comment the expression of lecticans in the model they discuss. 7) In figure 1 E the presentation could be improved. While in the panels A-D it is indicated whether Itgs are blocked or stimulated this information is missing in the graphic scheme. Thereby it lacks clarity, it is not apparent whether stimulation or deletion/inactivation of the ECM components or receptors causes the effects regarding stem cell proliferation.

11-Dec-2018
Dear Dr Long We are pleased to inform you that your manuscript entitled "How the extracellular matrix shapes neural development" has been accepted by the Editor for publication in Open Biology.
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Thank you for your fine contribution. On behalf of the Editors of Open Biology, we look forward to your continued contributions to the journal.