Progenitor cells in the postnatal central nervous system, characterization and genetic manipulation

Sammanfattning: New neurons are only generated in two places of the postnatal brain; the subventricular zone (SVZ) and hippocampus. The SVZ-derived cells specifically migrate to the olfactory bulb where they give rise to new interneurons. We have genetically manipulated the postnatal SVZ progenitor cells with the aim to direct them to a neuronal fate in the striatum. Our result showed that ectopic expression of the transcription factors Islet1 and Neurogenin2 directed the SVZ cells progeny to a new fate in the striatum and external capsule. Once removed to the culture dish they expressed the neuronal marker ?-III-tubulin. Thus, showing that ectopic expression of Islet1 and Neurogenin2 in the postnatal SVZ progenitor cells promote striatal recruitment for their progeny, which have potential to differentiate into neurons.