Function of neural stem cells in ischemic brain repair processes

Abstract

Hypoxic/ischemic injury is the single most important cause of disabilities in infants, while stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity in children and adults around the world. The injured brain has limited repair capacity, and thereby only modest improvement of neurological function is evident post injury. In rodents, embryonic neural stem cells in the ventricular zone generate cortical neurons, and adult neural stem cells in the ventricular-subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle produce new neurons through animal life. In addition to generation of new neurons, neural stem cells contribute to oligodendrogenesis. Neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis are essential for repair of injured brain. Much progress has been made in preclinical studies on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control and coordinate neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis in perinatal hypoxic/ischemic injury and the adult ischemic brain. This article will review these findings with a focus on the ventricular-subventricular zone neurogenic niche and discuss potential applications to facilitate endogenous neurogenesis and thereby to improve neurological function post perinatal hypoxic/ischemic injury and stroke.

Differential roles of epigenetic regulators in the survival and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells

“…The underlying mechanisms of OPC differentiation have been extensively examined, and several extracellular molecules are identified to promote OPC differentiation (Domingues et al, 2017;Takebayashi & Ikenaka, 2015;Zhang et al, 2016). In addition, the phase-specific expression pattern of transcriptional factors is also well recognized in the function of oligodendrocyte lineage cells (Goldman & Kuypers, 2015).…”

“…Mechanisms of OPC differentiation have been extensively examined, and several extrinsic signaling molecules have been identified as regulators of OPC differentiation into oligodendrocytes (Domingues et al, 2017;Takebayashi & Ikenaka, 2015;Zhang, Zhang, & Chopp, 2016). However, while the epigenetic system is known to participate in cell fate decisions, mechanisms as to how the epigenetic regulators contribute to OPC differentiation are still mostly unknown.…”

Poststroke Sonic Hedgehog Agonist Treatment Improves Functional Recovery by Enhancing Neurogenesis and Angiogenesis

“…Recent studies utilizing genetic ablation systems to specifically diminish neuroprogenitor cells or immature neuroblasts in stroke mice demonstrate the contribution of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) and their progeny in the functional recovery in stroke 2, 3 . However, the spontaneous brain repair process is limited and does not lead to full recovery after stroke 4 . One of the major challenges is the survival of newly generated cells after stroke.…”

Current Opinion on the Role of Neurogenesis in the Therapeutic Strategies for Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson Disease, and Ischemic Stroke; Considering Neuronal Voiding Function

“…Stroke remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world [76]. There are various reasons for IS occurrence including thrombosis, embolism, systemic hypoperfusion, or venous thrombosis.…”