Sex, the underestimated potential determining factor in brain tissue repair strategy

Neural stem cells (NSCs) hold a lot of potential for the development of brain repair strategies. However, difficulties in clinical translation suggest that improving the "know how" demands that we improve our fundamental knowledge on mechanisms that regulate NSC transplantation outcome. In this article, we will focus on recent works conducted in our laboratory and by others supporting the fact that the sex of NSCs (the donor) may be a determining factor in the outcome of NSCs grafts. In particular, we will discuss the intrinsic sexual dimorphism recently reported in NSCs showing a differential expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta as well as aromatase and how it affected NSCs transplantation outcome. An emphasis will be put on the importance of taking such sexual dimorphism into consideration for the design of future brain repair strategies.