Amerigo Scientific is steadfastly committed to providing an extensive range of highly cost-effective and innovative antibody products that are intricately linked to the cutting-edge field of neural stem cell research.
NSCs are a group of multipotent cells that can develop into committed neural subtypes. During embryonic development, NSCs generate glial progenitor cells, which differentiate into glial cells and neurons of the nervous system of animals. Therefore, NSCs are considered to be the key source of the nervous system. In addition, NSCs can also be activated by other factors, such as disease and injury.
Fig.1 Sources of NSCs.1
During development, NSCs are responsible for the formation of the entire nervous system. Typically, NSCs are located in specialized niches in the adult brain. These niches are involved in regulating the differentiation, self-renewal as well as proliferation of NSCs. Remarkably, in adults, a small number of NSCs still exist and are mostly quiescent. In fact, NSCs may play an integral role in aging, regeneration, and plasticity of the nervous system.
Increasing evidence reveals that dysregulation of NSCs may be involved in the occurrence of various diseases, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of NSCs will be beneficial in elucidating their role in diseases.
NSCs have emerged as attractive cells due to their diversity and flexibility. NSCs are beneficial for the production of neuroblasts, which are closely linked to cell repair after adult brain lesions. Therefore, as natural precursors of neural cells, NSCs are considered potential therapeutic agents for neurological diseases.
Fig.2 NSC properties for therapeutics.1
Several classical signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of NSC differentiation, including Wnt, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh).
Wnt signaling is involved in nervous system development. In the healthy nervous system, Wnt signaling plays a critical role in the self-renewal, differentiation, and homeostasis of NSCs.
Notch signaling is a key pathway that regulates the maintenance and differentiation of NSCs. This pathway is a crucial factor influencing the decision of cells between self-renewal and differentiation fates.
It has been reported that the Shh pathway serves as a regulator that activates the proliferation of NSCs, allowing shortening of the G1 as well as S-G2/M phases in culture. Furthermore, the Shh pathway is responsible for maintaining the balance between activated and quiescent NSCs. Importantly, this pathway is also closely linked to patterning of the neural tube and differentiation of specific neural cell types.
Please contact our technical team for more products and information related to NSC research.
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