Are neural stem cells in the postnatal brain the origin of brain tumors?
We are trying to test whether brain tumors originate from the astrocytes that function as stem cells in the adult brain. Do human SVZ astrocytes have neural stem cells potential? We have identified a band of stem cell astrocytes in the adult human brain. We are trying to determine the normal function of these cells. The adult brain offers unique experimental advantages to study the mechanism of neuronal production, migration and differentiation: germinal layers contain fewer cells and are simpler in organization as compared to the embryo; neuronal production is not limited to a short window of time, but occurs over long periods; cell movements are not affected by major changes in brain structure; cells can be grafted into precise locations in the germinal layers. In addition, experimental manipulation of neuronal production, migration or survival in juveniles and adults will allow us to ask questions about the contribution of specific types of neurons to behavior and brain repair.
