A stochastic model for neural progenitor dynamics in the mouse cerebral cortex

Abstract

We have designed a stochastic model of embryonic neurogenesis in the mouse cerebral cortex, using the formalism of compound Poisson processes. The model accounts for the dynamics of different progenitor cell types and neurons. The expectation and variance of the cell number of each type are derived analytically and illustrated through numerical simulations. The effects of stochastic transition rates between cell types, and stochastic duration of the cell division cycle have been investigated sequentially. The model does not only predict the number of neurons, but also their spatial distribution into deeper and upper cortical layers. The model outputs are consistent with experimental data providing the number of neurons and intermediate progenitors according to embryonic age in control and mutant situations.