Purification, Visualization, and Molecular Signature of Neural Stem Cells

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are isolated from primary brain tissue and propagated as a heterogeneous mix of cells, including neural progenitors. To date, NSCs have not been purified in vitro to allow study of their biology and utility in regenerative medicine. In this study, we identify C1qR1 as a novel marker for NSCs and show that it can be used along with Lewis-X (LeX) to yield a highly purified population of NSCs. Using time-lapse microscopy, we are able to follow NSCs forming neurospheres, allowing their visualization. Finally, using single-cell polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we determine the molecular signature of NSCs. The single-cell PCR data suggest that along with the Notch and Shh pathways, the Hippo pathway plays an important role in NSC activity.