title: Typical and atypical stem cells in the brain, vitamin C effect and neuropathology.
abstract: Stem cells are considered a valuable cellular resource for tissue replacement therapies in most brain disorders. Stem cells have the ability to self-replicate and differentiate into numerous cell types, including neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. As a result, stem cells have been considered the "holy grail" of modern medical neuroscience. Despite their tremendous therapeutic potential, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate their differentiation. In this review, we analyze stem cells in embryonic and adult brains, and illustrate the differentiation pathways that give origin to most brain cells. We also evaluate the emergent role of the well known anti-oxidant, vitamin C, in stem cell differentiation. We believe that a complete understanding of all molecular players, including vitamin C, in stem cell differentiation will positively impact on the use of stem cell transplantation for neurodegenerative diseases.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, Center for Advanced Microscopy, CMA Bio Bio, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile. frnualart@udec.cl
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nualart
authors.forename: Katterine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Salazar
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Oyarce
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cisternas
authors.forename: Nery
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jara
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Silva-Álvarez
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pastor
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martínez
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: María de los Ángeles
authors.initials: Mde L
authors.lastname: García-Robles
authors.forename: Juan Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Tapia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology* / Q000196:embryology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D014815:Vitamins / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D001205:Ascorbic Acid