About this Research Topic
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are pivotal for both the construction and remediation of the central nervous system, endowed with self-renewal properties and the capacity to morph into various neural lineages. The orchestration of their functions is intricately influenced by both inherent genetic factors and their immediate microenvironment or "niche". This dynamic interplay holds profound implications, not only for understanding fundamental neurodevelopment but also for applications in regenerative medicine and the management of neurodegenerative conditions. Despite a burgeoning interest, gaps remain in fully elucidating the molecular and cellular dialogues that govern NSC behavior within their niches.
This Research Topic aims to delve into the multifaceted interactions between NSCs and their nurturing niches. The goal is to unearth how various environmental factors—ranging from physical contacts and biochemical cues to cellular communications—shape NSC fate decisions. Understanding these interactions is critical for unlocking new regenerative strategies and therapeutic avenues, particularly in combating neurological disorders and facilitating neural repair.
To gather further insights in the complex and evolving landscape of neural stem cell research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o The molecular and cellular determinants in the NSC niche impacting stemness and differentiation pathways
o Mechanistic insights into NSC attachments within their niches, examining ECM structures and key adhesion molecules
o The influence of niche-specific signaling cascades on NSC proliferation and maturation
o Innovations in bioengineering and scaffold technologies to synthetically replicate NSC niches for clinical use
o Comparative analyses of NSC-niche dynamics across diverse model systems, including organoids and 3D cultures
o Effects of aging, disease progression, and traumatic injuries on the NSC niche, alongside strategies aimed at niche restoration
Through a synthesis of fundamental science and clinical perspectives, this collection strives to foster collaboration and pave new directions in neural stem cell research, with the ultimate hope of translating these insights into therapeutic interventions.
This Research Topic aims to delve into the multifaceted interactions between NSCs and their nurturing niches. The goal is to unearth how various environmental factors—ranging from physical contacts and biochemical cues to cellular communications—shape NSC fate decisions. Understanding these interactions is critical for unlocking new regenerative strategies and therapeutic avenues, particularly in combating neurological disorders and facilitating neural repair.
To gather further insights in the complex and evolving landscape of neural stem cell research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o The molecular and cellular determinants in the NSC niche impacting stemness and differentiation pathways
o Mechanistic insights into NSC attachments within their niches, examining ECM structures and key adhesion molecules
o The influence of niche-specific signaling cascades on NSC proliferation and maturation
o Innovations in bioengineering and scaffold technologies to synthetically replicate NSC niches for clinical use
o Comparative analyses of NSC-niche dynamics across diverse model systems, including organoids and 3D cultures
o Effects of aging, disease progression, and traumatic injuries on the NSC niche, alongside strategies aimed at niche restoration
Through a synthesis of fundamental science and clinical perspectives, this collection strives to foster collaboration and pave new directions in neural stem cell research, with the ultimate hope of translating these insights into therapeutic interventions.
Keywords: Neural Stem Cell, Niche, Stemness, Differentiation, Physical Attachment
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
