Abstract
Live imaging of adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) in vivo is a technical challenge in the vertebrate brain. Here, we achieve long-term imaging of the adult zebrafish telencephalic neurogenic niche and track a population of >1000 aNSCs over weeks, by taking advantage of fish transparency at near-infrared wavelengths and of intrinsic multiphoton landmarks. This methodology enables us to describe the frequency, distribution and modes of aNSCs divisions across the entire germinal zone of the adult pallium, and to highlight regional differences in these parameters.
Highlights
The vertebrate adult brain harbors restricted sites of constitutive neurogenesis, where neurons of high physiological impact are generated from adult neural stem cells
The pallial germinal zone of the zebrafish is relevant as it encompasses areas homologous to the two known constitutively active adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) niches in rodents (Dirian et al, 2014)
They are radial glial cells (RG) expressing markers such as Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (Gfap), Brain Lipid Basic Protein (Blbp; Fabp7a – Zebrafish Information Network), S100β or Glutamine Synthase (GS), and neural progenitor markers (Sox2, Nestin). They are strongly quiescent, only ∼15% of them being activated at a given time point and expressing S/G2/M markers such as MiniChromosome Maintenance factor 5 (Mcm5) or Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (Pcna)
Summary
The vertebrate adult brain harbors restricted sites of constitutive neurogenesis, where neurons of high physiological impact are generated from adult neural stem cells (aNSCs). The molecular and cellular processes controlling aNSC maintenance and recruitment are incompletely understood, and the dynamics of their homeostasis at the population level in germinal niches remain largely unknown. The properties and dynamics of aNSC populations are intimately linked with physiological, mechanical or molecular input from the surrounding environment (the socalled ‘niche factors’), such as contact with blood vessels, the cerebrospinal fluid or other local NSCs, progenitors or neurons (Silva-Vargas et al, 2013). None of these elements can be reliably reconstituted in vitro
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