Multipotent stem cell factor UGS148 is a marker for tanycytes in the adult hypothalamus

The present study describes for the first time the neural expression and distribution of UGS148, a protein encoded by the RIKEN cDNA63330403K07 gene that has been shown to be prominently and characteristically expressed in neural stem cells (NSCs). Based on its molecular structure, UGS148 is an intracellular protein expected to be involved in intracellular sorting, trafficking, exocytosis and membrane insertion of proteins. We demonstrate that UGS148 is highly expressed in embryonic NSCs as well as, albeit at low level, in the adult neurogenic niches, the subventricular zone and the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Interestingly, the highest expression level of UGS148 in the adult mouse brain was observed specifically in the neurogenic cells lining the third ventricle, the tanycytes. Our in vitro studies show the involvement of UGS148 in the regulation of the proliferation of NSCs.