Adult SVZ stem cells lie in a vascular niche: a quantitative analysis of niche cell-cell interactions

Cell Stem Cell. 2008 Sep 11;3(3):289-300. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2008.07.026.

Abstract

There is an emerging understanding of the importance of the vascular system within stem cell niches. Here, we examine whether neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) lie close to blood vessels, using three-dimensional whole mounts, confocal microscopy, and automated computer-based image quantification. We found that the SVZ contains a rich plexus of blood vessels that snake along and within neuroblast chains. Cells expressing stem cell markers, including GFAP, and proliferation markers are closely apposed to the laminin-containing extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding vascular endothelial cells. Apical GFAP+ cells are admixed within the ependymal layer and some span between the ventricle and blood vessels, occupying a specialized microenvironment. Adult SVZ progenitor cells express the laminin receptor alpha6beta1 integrin, and blocking this inhibits their adhesion to endothelial cells, altering their position and proliferation in vivo, indicating that it plays a functional role in binding SVZ stem cells within the vascular niche.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Adult Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Blood Vessels / cytology*
  • Cell Communication*
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Integrin alpha6beta1 / metabolism
  • Lateral Ventricles / blood supply
  • Lateral Ventricles / cytology*
  • Lateral Ventricles / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic

Substances

  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • Integrin alpha6beta1
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins