A New Insight in Cellular and Molecular Signaling Regulation for Neural Differentiation Program

Abstract

Numerous neurological conditions impact the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, autoimmune disorders like Multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders such as Epilepsy, and neuropsychiatric disorders like Schizophrenia and Autism spectrum disorders. Neural stem cells (NSCs) exhibit developmental abnormalities linked to the dysregulation of signaling pathways associated with diverse neurological disorders. NSCs can self-renew and differentiate into various neural cell types. NSC holds enormous therapeutic potential for targeting anomalous neural networks, traumatic brain injuries, and stroke. NSC differentiation programs are regulated by multiple elements, comprising growth factors, neurotransmitters, and extracellular matrix components, with intricate orchestration of cellular and molecular signaling pathways. This review aims to provide current information regarding the critical mechanisms of neural signaling circuits with interacting proteins involved in regular neural differentiation programs. The pivotal complex communication channels include the Notch, Wnt, BMP, RA, FGF, EGF, and Hippo signaling pathways. These circuits are implicated in the processes of NSC maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation, which collectively govern neural fate determination. This information can be used to initiate and promote neural regeneration. Based on the contributing factors in each signaling pathway, novel methods can be formulated and implemented for better and more robust neural differentiation programs. Hence, innovative approaches to treating neural disorders through an enhanced understanding of neural differentiation signaling pathways are paving the way for more effective therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s diseases; Autism; EGF; FGF; Frizzled; Hippo; Mitogen-activated protein kinase; Neuronal; Notch; Retinoic acid; Single-cell sequencing; Therapeutics.