Neural Stem Cells in CNS Development

It is now accepted that neurogenesis continues throughout life, contrary to the previously held dogma that no new neurons are produced in the adult human brain. Two distinct populations of neural progenitor cells (NPC) have been identified  

FGFs constitute a large family of structurally related polypeptide growth factors that signal through receptor tyrosine 

A remarkable feature of the developing CNS is the extensive migration of cells. As specific classes of cells come to reside in specific layers, migration also reflects the programmed control of neuronal fate. Control of these movements is rather complex, involving multiple regulatory genes and several 

Chemokines constitute a family of structurally related low molecular mass (8-11 kDa) proteins with diverse immune and neural functions. In addition to their well-established roles in the immune system, chemokines play a role in the migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival of neural stem/pro-genitor cells. (Refer to the Cytokines and Chemokines Chapter 15.5 regarding chemokine and chemokine receptor classification and signaling pathways). 

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