title: Copernican stem cells: regulatory constellations in adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
abstract: In the adult, neurogenesis occurs where constellations of signaling molecules are correctly orchestrated and where competent cells are present to interpret these signals. As the instruments used to observe adult neurogenesis become more sophisticated, the concept of a discrete competent "stem cell" has become less concrete. Neural progenitor cells once thought committed to a single lineage can be influenced to become multipotent and somatic tissues appear to yield cells capable of tremendous peripheral and central lineage potential. The variety of cell types that appear competent to generate neurons suggests that the "Hilios" of adult neurogenesis may not necessarily be a single cellular entity but rather the sum of signals that dictate, "Make a new neuron here." These signals may not be limited to the recruitment of preexisting neural stem cells but may also, in some subtle way, reprogram local precursors to create "stem-like cells," where needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fabel
authors.forename: Hiroki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Toda
authors.forename: Konstanze
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fabel
authors.forename: Theo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Palmer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000196:embryology*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia; D008954:Models, Biological; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010641:Phenotype; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*