What is the Origin of Neural Stem Cell?

The term combines "neural," referring to the nervous system, and "stem cell," indicating a cell with the capacity for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. Historically, the presence of stem cells in the adult brain was debated, but their definitive identification in the late 20th century revolutionized neuroscience. This concept is a cornerstone of regenerative medicine and neurobiology.

What is the Mechanism of Neural Stem Cell?

NSCs are maintained in a quiescent state by local microenvironmental cues, known as the niche, which includes growth factors, extracellular matrix components, and regulatory signaling molecules. Upon activation, they undergo asymmetric division to both self-renew and generate transit-amplifying progenitor cells. These progenitors then commit to specific lineages, guided by complex signaling pathways, to ultimately mature into functional neurons or glia, integrating into existing neural circuits.

Neural Stem Cell

Meaning

A neural stem cell (NSC) is a self-renewing, multipotent progenitor cell found primarily within specific neurogenic niches of the central nervous system, such as the subventricular zone and the hippocampal dentate gyrus. These cells possess the critical capacity to differentiate into the major cell types of the nervous system: neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The existence and regulated function of NSCs are fundamental to the concept of adult neurogenesis and brain repair mechanisms.