Adult Neural Stem Cells From the Subventricular Zone: A Review of the Neurosphere Assay

作者：Gil Perotin Sara; Duran Moreno Maria; Cebrian Silla Arantxa; Ramirez Monica; Garcia Belda Paula; Manuel Garcia Verdugo Jose

来源：Anatomical Record-Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology, 2013, 296(9): 1435-1452.

DOI：10.1002/ar.22746

• olfaction
• neurosphere
• adult neurogenesis
• SVZ

The possibility of obtaining large numbers of cells with potential to become functional neurons implies a great advance in regenerative medicine. A source of cells for therapy is the subventricular zone (SVZ) where adult neural stem cells (NSCs) retain the ability to proliferate, self-renew, and differentiate into several mature cell types. The neurosphere assay, a method to isolate, maintain, and expand these cells has been extensively utilized by research groups to analyze the biological properties of aNSCs and to graft into injured brains from animal models. In this review we briefly describe the neurosphere assay and its limitations, the methods to optimize culture conditions, the identity and the morphology of aNSC-derived neurospheres (including new ultrastructural data). The controversy regarding the identity and stemness of cells within the neurosphere is revised. The fine morphology of neurospheres, described thoroughly, allows for phenotypical characterization of cells in the neurospheres and may reveal slight changes that indirectly inform about cell integrity, cell damage, or oncogenic transformation. Along this review we largely highlight the critical points that researchers have to keep in mind before extrapolating results or translating experimental transplantation of neurosphere-derived cells to the clinical setting. Anat Rec, 296:1435-1452, 2013.

• 出版日期2013-9