Stage- and area-specific control of stem cells in the developing nervous system

Abstract

The spatiotemporal control of proliferation and differentiation in neural stem cells (NSCs) is essential to produce a functional nervous system (NS). Stem cells in different areas and at different time points during development have to produce different types of cells in a precise manner. Recent studies uncovered a plethora of cell extrinsic as well as intrinsic factors that play crucial roles in the area-specific and stage-specific control of NSCs. Moreover, recapitulation of the spatiotemporal specification of NSCs in vitro opens new avenues for future applications. In this review, we have selected some key molecules to discuss the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal regulation of NSC development. Stage-and Area-Specific Control of Stem Cells in the Developing Nervous SystemSven Falk 1 , Lukas Sommer Summary of recent advancesThe spatiotemporal control of proliferation and differentiation in neural stem cells ( In this review, we have selected some key molecules to discuss the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal regulation of NSC development.

p53 Regulates Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation via BMP-Smad1 Signaling and Id1

“…The initiation of embryonic neurogenesis and gliogenesis is controlled by multiple developmental cues [4][5][6]. We found that in WT embryos, neuron markers Tuj1 and MAP2 and astrocyte marker GFAP were expressed at low levels at day 13.5, and the expression of Tuj1 and MAP2 was increased at day 15.5, while the expression of GFAP was increased at day 17.5 ( Fig.…”

“…Neural stem cells (NSCs) are responsible for early nervous system development and postnatal nervous tissue regeneration and repair [4][5][6]. They are located in several regions of the adult brain-in particular, the subventricular zone and the hippocampus.…”

Neural stem cell specific fluorescent chemical probe binding to FABP7

“…BLBP | DOFL | high throughput screening | mass spectrometry | radial glia N eural stem cells (NSCs) generate the nervous system, promote neuronal plasticity and repair damage throughout life by self-renewing and differentiating into neurons and glia (1,2). They have great potential for therapeutic use in patients suffering from neurological diseases (3) and also as a research tool for drug development (4).…”

Neural crest-derived stem cells

“…Thus, although endowed with similar potentials, NCSCs exhibit intrinsic properties characteristic for their spatiotemporal context. This presumably allows NCSCs to adapt to their local environment, producing appropriate numbers of specific cell types at the right time and location (Falk and Sommer, 2009). …”

“…Indeed, using conditional genetic approaches in animal model systems, combined with various cell biological assays, we and others have previously demonstrated that fate and growth of embryonic and fetal NCSCs are regulated by distinct signaling networks acting in an area-and stage-specific manner (Falk and Sommer, 2009). It is thus timely and necessary to apply such technologies to adult NCSCs, in order to understand the mechanisms controlling adult NCSC populations in vivo.…”