Neural stem and progenitor cells: choosing the right Shc

Abstract

Neural stem cell (NSCs) are self-renewing, multipotent cells able to generate neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Since their identification, these properties have made NSCs an attractive subject for therapeutic applications to the damaged brain. In this context, understanding the mechanisms and the molecules regulating their biological properties is important and it is focused to gain control over their proliferative and differentiative potential. Here we will discuss values and unsolved aspects of the system and the employment of potentially key molecular targets for proper control of NSCs fate.

Hypoxia and the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases: gene transcription and the assessment of potential pharmacologic therapeutic interventions

“…Shc binding occurs in response to NGF and EGF in dorsal root ganglion cells [81]. Shc levels are low in the brain; however, other predominantly neural isoforms have been identified: Shc-B, Shc-C, Sck, and n-Shc [82,83]. The latter two are localized exclusively in the brain, with considerable overlap in their expression profiles.…”

“…In normoxic conditions, MAPKs activate the VEGF promoter at the proximal ( À 88/ À 66) region where substance P (Sp)-1/activating protein (AP)-2 factors bind [83]. Activation of MAPK ERK1/2 was sufficient to turn on VEGF mRNA.…”

The Function of the Neuronal Proteins Shc and Huntingtin in Stem Cells and Neurons: Pharmacologic Exploitation for Human Brain Diseases

“…Importantly, we believe that defining the specific requirements for ShcA or ShcC in the division and differentiation of neural stem cells and survival of neurons may provide a potential outcome in order to increase proliferation and expansion of neural precursors or their overall survival and neuronal differentiation. These proteins may also become interesting targets for drug screening approaches aimed at identifying drugs able to increase the survival and generation of neurons from stem cells 24…”

“…These proteins may also become interesting targets for drug screening approaches aimed at identifying drugs able to increase the survival and generation of neurons from stem cells. 24…”