Neural stem and progenitor cells in cancer and development

摘要: Stem cells are unique that possess the capacities to both self-renew and give rise multiple differentiated progeny. There exist two major types of stem help create nervous system: CNS which produce neurons glia central system neural crest not only peripheral system, but also structures such as craniofacial skeleton, cardiac outflow tracts, skin pigment cells, sympathoadrenal cells. The mechanisms self-renewal, migration, differentiation these cell have been studied in great detail. Yet despite insight, much remains be known about key aspects development. First, it has long thought there might a lineal relationship between human embryos or adults primary brain tumors, particularly those malignancies occurring children. To earn better insight into this possibility, I examined fresh pediatric tumors found they contained subpopulation with characteristics that, at clonal level, could recapitulate properties parental tumor. These tumor-derived progenitors shared genetic similarities normal migrate proliferate vivo. Second, whether late-migrating wave their derivatives originates from progenitor resident embryonic spinal cord by culturing quail tube neurospheres. potential generate melanocytes possibly other vivo vitro after weeks culture, suggesting melanocytic tubes older contribute populations. Taken together, my results model systems suggest persist animal beyond early development play significant roles later points life, continued system.