Stem cells self-renew and generate various cell types in their respective lineages. They can be derived from blastocysts or reprogrammed from developing and adult tissue sources. Neural stem cells (NSCs), with the characteristics of self-renewal and multipotency, can be isolated from embryonic stem cells, embryonic ectoderm, and developing or adult brain tissues. Adult neurogenesis occurs in two neurogenic regions in the brain: the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. These two regions contain neural stem or progenitor cells that can self-renew and differentiate into neurons, astroglial cells and oligodendrocytes. Here, we will review the isolation and characterization of NSCs from ES cells, developing and adult brains. The transcriptional regulation and molecular markers that are used to identify NSCs will also be reviewed. NSCs have been proposed as a promising cellular source for the treatment of diseases in nervous systems. For clinical application of NSCs in neurodegenerative disorders and damaged neurons, we discuss several critical problems that remain to be resolved, such as the reliable sources of neural stem/progenitor cells for autologous transplantation.
Date:
2011-01
Relation:
Stem Cell Bioengineering and Tissue Engineering Microenvironment. 2011 Jan:355-384.
