[Establishment and Maintenance of Adult Neural Stem Cells]

Abstract

Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult mammalian brain produce new neurons throughout life. Defects in adult neurogenesis can influence neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Hence, understanding long-term maintenance of adult NSCs is crucial. Cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors contribute to long-term maintenance of adult NSCs, and we have previously reported that NSCs produce their own niches that send a feedback signal for their own maintenance. In addition, we have identified a slowly dividing subpopulation of embryonic neural progenitor cells that is set aside during development, and later becomes a substantial fraction of NSCs in the adult subventricular zone. Here, we review the mechanisms of long-term maintenance and embryonic origin of adult NSCs. We also discuss current topics on adult NSCs and future perspectives in this field of study.