One progenitor to generate them all: new evidence for multi-fated neural progenitors

The past two decades have left behind the old conception of early fate-restricted neural progenitors. The new paradigm is that of a more plastic brain, in which the cellular potential of multi-fated progenitors is progressively restricted. This is observed in the switch from neurogenesis to gliogenesis, but also in the generation of different types of glial cells and neurons at later stages. The mechanisms that establish brain cell diversity or heterogeneity within a single population are starting to be elucidated. The role of cell cycle regulators and dynamics and the asymmetric distribution of cell cargoes during cell division are attracting more attention. Understanding these mechanisms could open the way for new treatments against brain pathologies such as brain tumors or neurodegenerative disorders.