Migrating and myelinating potential of subventricular zone neural progenitor cells in white matter tracts of the adult rodent brain

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2006 Apr;31(4):748-58. doi: 10.1016/j.mcn.2006.01.004. Epub 2006 Feb 14.

Abstract

Adult neural stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) produce neuronal progenitors that migrate along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) and generate olfactory interneurons. Here, we evaluate the migratory potential of SVZ cells outside the RMS and their capacity to generate oligodendrocytes in the adult brain. We show that SVZ cells migrate long distances when grafted into white matter tracts such as the cingulum (Ci) and corpus callosum (CC). Furthermore, 22 days postinjection, most present morphologic and phenotypic characteristics of cells committed to the oligodendrocyte lineage. Cells grafted in shiverer CC and Ci become MBP-positive oligodendrocytes, abundantly myelinating these white matter tracts. Type A progenitors are involved in this myelinating process. Altogether, this study reveals the migrating and myelinating potential of SVZ cells in a new environmental context. Therefore, SVZ cells stand as interesting candidates for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for demyelinating diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cell Shape
  • Cell Transplantation
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Neurologic Mutants
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism*
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / metabolism*
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Oligodendroglia / cytology
  • Oligodendroglia / physiology
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Tissue Culture Techniques

Substances

  • Green Fluorescent Proteins