Cyp26b1 mediates differential regulation of RA signaling in neural progenitor populations along the anteriorposterior axis of the adult spinal cord

Abstract

Neural stem cells from the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) are highly heterogeneous, with their position of origin being a key factor in determining the neuronal subtype they can give rise to. Whether this diversity extends to other regions in the adult CNS has not been demonstrated. In vitro studies with directed neuronal differentiation of ES cells suggest that subtype specification may be regulated by the positional identity present in the ES‐derived cell, since altering the positional identity leads to corresponding changes in motor neuron subtype. This limited plasticity suggests the position identity of the original stem cell source is a critical factor for the generation of the desired neuronal subtype. The adult spinal cord consists of endogenous stem/progenitor cells which are …