Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Isolation of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells from the Periventricular Region of the Adult Rat and Human Spinal Cord
Published on: May 14, 2015
Sensory nerves in the spotlight of the stem cell niche
Caroline C Picoli1, Alinne C Costa1, Beatriz G S Rocha1
1Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract:
Niches are specialized tissue microenvironments that control stem cells functioning. The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell niche defines a location within the marrow in which mesenchymal stem cells are retained and produce new cells throughout life. Deciphering the signaling mechanisms by which the niche regulates stem cell fate will facilitate the use of these cells for therapy. Recent studies, by using state-of-the-art methodologies, including sophisticated in vivo inducible genetic techniques, such as lineage-tracing Cre/loxP mediated systems, in combination with pharmacological inhibition, provide evidence that sensory neuron is an important component of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell niche. Strikingly, knockout of a specific receptor in sensory neurons blocked stem cell function in the bone marrow. The knowledge arising from these discoveries will be crucial for stem cell manipulation in the future. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of sensory nerves biology in the stem cell niche.
Related Concept Videos
Stem Cell Niche
Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Unrenewable Cells
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of...
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...

