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Is there a neural stem cell in the mammalian forebrain?
S Weiss1, B A Reynolds, A L Vescovi
1Dept of Anatomy, University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, Alberta, Canada.
Trends in Neurosciences
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Neural stem cells, capable of self-renewal and generating multiple cell types, exist in the mammalian forebrain from embryonic to adult stages. These findings challenge previous notions of limited neural precursor potential.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Neural precursor cells are historically recognized as fundamental to embryonic central nervous system (CNS) development.
- Previous research suggested limited proliferative and lineage potential in mammalian CNS precursors, contrasting with stem cells in other renewable tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of neural stem cells in the mammalian forebrain.
- To determine if neural stem cells possess self-renewal and multilineage potential.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies examining neural-cell proliferation regulation by growth factors.
- In vivo studies analyzing neural lineage and cell potential.
Main Results:
- Recent in vitro and in vivo studies provide evidence for neural stem cells in the mammalian forebrain.
- These identified neural stem cells exhibit self-renewal and multilineage potential.
Conclusions:
- Neural stem cells are present throughout the embryonic to adult mammalian forebrain.
- This discovery contrasts with prior understanding and has implications for restorative neurology.