Adult neural stem cell pools in homeostasis and pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Stem Cell Biology
• Physiology

Background:

• Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in specific brain niches: subventricular zone (SVZ), subgranular zone (SGZ), and hypothalamic ventricular zone (HVZ).
• These NSCs are crucial for neural plasticity, cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and metabolic homeostasis.
• The hypothalamic niche (HVZ) is increasingly recognized for its role in linking stem cell activity to whole-body physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding adult NSC niches (SGZ, SVZ, HVZ).
• To define shared principles and region-specific mechanisms governing NSC identity, homeostasis, and lineage output.
• To explore how intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence NSC behavior and how aging/stress impacts them.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific advances.
• Integration of findings from classical neurogenic niches (SGZ, SVZ) and the hypothalamic niche (HVZ).
• Comparative analysis of NSC regulation, identity, and lineage output across different niches.

Main Results:

• Identified shared organizational principles and region-specific regulatory mechanisms for adult NSCs.
• Highlighted the influence of transcriptional programs, metabolic states, and niche signals on NSC behavior.
• Demonstrated differential disruption of NSC processes by aging, inflammation, and metabolic stress.

Conclusions:

• A unified framework for understanding adult NSC diversity and disease susceptibility is proposed.
• Strategies for modulating endogenous stem cell niches to maintain homeostasis and reduce disease risk are discussed.
• Emphasizes the importance of integrating hypothalamic neurogenesis with classical niches for a holistic view.