The emerging evidence that stem cells develop in specialised niches highlights the potential
role of environmental factors in their regulation. Here we examine the role of β1 …

Abstract Neural Stem Cells (NSC) are present in the developing and adult CNS. In both the
embryonic and adult neurogenic regions, β1 integrins may act as sensors for the changing …

Neural stem cells give rise to undifferentiated nestin-positive progenitors that undergo
extensive cell division before differentiating into neuronal and glial cells. The precise control …

Oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) produce myelin sheaths that insulate
axons to ensure fast propagation of action potentials. β1 integrins regulate the myelination of …

The formation of correct synaptic structures and neuronal connections is paramount for
normal brain development and a functioning adult brain. The integrin family of cell adhesion …

Use of stem cells, whether adult or embryonic for clinical applications to treat diseases such
as Parkinson's, macular degeneration or Type I diabetes will require a homogenous …

Integrin receptors mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in many
different cell types, including neuronal cells. Earlier studies have shown a clear role for …

Central nervous system (CNS) neurovascular units are multicellular complexes consisting of
neural cells, blood vessels and a milieu of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. ECM …

Deciphering the factors that regulate human neural stem cells will greatly aid in their use as
models of development and as therapeutic agents. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a …

Proliferation and tangential migration of neural precursor cells are essential determinants of
CNS development. We have established cell culture models of both these processes using …