Development of neurons begins in the middle of embryogenesis after closure of the neural tube. In the process of neurogenesis, neural stem cells generate nerve cells by asymmetric cell divisions at the ventricular zone of the brain. Immature neurons embark for their destination and start projecting axons and dendrites during migration. Growing axons are guided across the embryo towards their target neurons, and upon synaptogenesis and synapse elimination create complex architecture of the neural networks. Emerging evidence unveils that posttranslational modification by protein ubiquitylation and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression by microRNAs are of particular importance for the nerve cell development. In this study, we demonstrate the roles of HECT-type ubiquitin ligases in newborn and mature nerve cells. Additionally, we characterize intronic microRNA and its host gene encoding for HECT-type ubiquitin ligase in developing nerve cells. Our work provides novel molecular insights for nerve cell development and contributes to present understanding of molecular cellular pathologies in intellectual disability syndrome.
