Contrary to what was once thought, stem cells exist in the adult brain but they differ in their ability to give birth to new brain cells. Locating and classifying these distinct stem cell populations will allow to assess their potential for brain repair.
Background
The adult brain contains two main regions with stem cells which contribute to the continuous birth of new neurons. The subventricular zone (SVZ) is one of them. This recent discovery has prompted hope for the development of cell replacement therapies after brain damage or in neurodegenerative diseases. The development of such therapies relies on the assumption that nerve stem cells in the adult brain are capable of generating all the different cell types which the brain is composed of, but is this true?
Recent work indicates that nerve stem cells in the adult brain can only produce specific types of brain cells rather than all of them. The capabilities are dictated by the exact location of the nerve stem cell in the adult brain: stem cells located in one region of the SVZ will produce different types of brain cells than stem cells in another region. This new information raises a number of important questions: How does this “topographic coding” work? How many different sorts of brain cells can those particular stem cell populations generate? Are certain stem cell populations “mobilised” after brain injuries?
Aim
The research team proposes to make three-dimensional maps showing the distribution of distinct nerve stem cell populations in the adult SVZ. Based on these maps the team will be able to isolate these cells and to compare their genetic characteristics and their ability to participate in brain development and repair.
Significance
Altogether, this work will provide crucial information of nerve stem cells from the adult brain and on their true potential to participate in brain repair.
Original tilte: Heterogeneity of the adult subventricular zone: Defining the Cellular Diversity and Regenerative Potential of Neuronal Progenitors in the Adult subventricular zone
Grant: CHF 410’350.-
Duration: 36 months
Project leader
- Dr. Olivier Raineteau, Institut für Hirnforschung, Universität Zürich/ETH Zürich