| Project Detail |
Neural stem cells reside in specialized niches in the adult mammalian brain. The ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) is the largest germinal zone in the adult mouse brain, and generates neurons and glia throughout life. V-SVZ stem cells have a regional identity and depending on their spatial location give rise to different subtypes of olfactory bulb interneurons. However the functional significance of stem cell heterogeneity is still poorly understood. A major goal of our research is to define the intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of adult neural stem cells. We have recently shown that regionally distinct pools of stem cells are recruited in different physiological states to generate specific subtypes of olfactory bulb neurons. Moreover, the adult V-SVZ also harbours multiple gliogenic domains, including a new type of intraventricular oligodendrocyte progenitor (OPC), which is inside the ventricles. These new glial domains and cell types may be key contributors to brain homeostasis and plasticity. In our proposed research over the next four years, we will focus on 1) defining the molecular signatures of gliogenic domains and cell-types in the adult V-SVZ, 2) investigate the niche compartment and fate of intraventricular OPCs and 3) investigate cell type diversity in the choroid plexus in male and females and how this relates to their secretome. Together, these will shed new light into the diversity and regulation of adult neural stem cells. |
