Neuroanatomy: Stem Cells and Neural Stem Cells

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to stem cells and neural stem cells from the neuroanatomy lecture.

Stem Cells

Foundational cells with the unique ability to continuously divide and differentiate into specialized cell types.

Self-renewal

The ability of stem cells to divide indefinitely, producing more stem cells.

Differentiation

The process by which stem cells transform into various specialized cell types.

Totipotent

Type of stem cells capable of forming any cell type, including a complete organism.

Pluripotent

Type of stem cells that can form nearly all cell types but not an entire organism.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells derived from early-stage embryos with unlimited potential for regeneration and research.

Multipotent

Stem cells that can differentiate into a limited range of related cell types.

Tissue Stem Cells

Adult stem cells vital for tissue maintenance, repair, and regeneration.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS Cells)

Stem cells created artificially by reprogramming differentiated adult cells.

Yamanaka factors

Specific transcription factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, c-MYC) used to reprogram differentiated cells back into pluripotent stem cells.

Neural Stem Cells (NSCs)

A type of multipotent tissue stem cell found within the adult brain, capable of becoming neurons and glial cells.

Neurogenesis

The generation of new neurons, important for learning, memory, and emotional health.

Subventricular Zone (SVZ)

Location in the adult brain where neural stem cells reside, lining the brain ventricles.

Dentate Gyrus

Region in the hippocampus important for learning and memory where new neurons are generated.

Hippocampus

A brain region crucial for memory regulation and emotional response, involved in neurogenesis.

Neurogenic niches

Specific locations in the brain where new neurons are generated; examples include SVZ and SGZ.

Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis (AHN)

The birth of new adult-born nerve cells in the hippocampus, important for memory.

Rostral migration stream (RMS)

Pathway along which immature neurons migrate from the SVZ to the olfactory bulb.

Pattern separation memory

The ability to distinguish between very similar contexts, important for cognitive function.

BrdU

Bromodeoxyuridine, a molecule used to label newly synthesized DNA to study neurogenesis.

Caloric restriction

A diet that reduces calorie intake without malnutrition, shown to enhance neurogenesis.

Ghrelin

A hormone released into the blood when the stomach is empty; believed to regulate neurogenesis.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change its structure and function in response to experience.

Hypothalamus

Brain region identified as a potential neurogenic niche associated with appetite regulation.

Mitochondrial respiration

Processes in cells that produce energy, impacting the differentiation of stem cells.

Neuroprotective effects

The ability of certain factors to protect neurons from damage.

Extrinsic factors

External conditions or stimuli that can influence stem cell differentiation and neurogenesis.

Intrinsic factors

Internal mechanisms within cells that regulate stem cell behavior and differentiation.

Subgranular Zone (SGZ)

Region in the hippocampus where neural stem cells reside and differentiate.

Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)

A signaling protein that can influence the growth and differentiation of stem cells.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)

Another signaling protein that plays a role in cell growth and differentiation.

Astrocytes

Supportive cells in the brain that can be produced from neural stem cells.

Oligodendrocytes

Cells that produce the myelin sheath around neurons, also derived from neural stem cells.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers in the brain that affect communication between neurons.

Dopaminergic neurons

Neurons that produce dopamine, significant for mood and motivation.

Cognition

The set of mental processes that include attention, memory, and understanding.

Functional recovery

Restoration of function following injury, which can be aided by neurogenesis.

Neurogenic potential

The capability of a stem cell to generate new neurons.

Therapeutic interventions

Treatment strategies aimed at utilizing neurogenesis for recovery from neurological conditions.

Aging

The natural process that reduces the efficiency of neurogenesis and contributes to cognitive decline.

Neurodegenerative diseases

Disorders characterized by the gradual degeneration of neurons, impacting cognitive functions.

GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in inhibitory signaling in the brain.

Glutamate

The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Impaired memory

A cognitive condition where the ability to recall information is compromised.

Postmortem studies

Research conducted on tissue obtained after death, providing insights into human neurogenesis.

Mild calorie restriction

A dietary approach shown to enhance adult hippocampal neurogenesis and cognition.

Cellular time stamp

A marker indicating the age of cells, often used in studies of neurogenesis.

Neurogenic niches

Specialized areas in the brain where neurogenesis occurs.

Olfactory bulb

A brain structure involved in the sense of smell, where newly generated neurons migrate.

Transcription factors

Proteins that help regulate the expression of genes, crucial for cell fate decisions.

Neural progenitor cells

Cells capable of differentiating into neurons and supporting cells during neurogenesis.

Research applications

Practical uses of scientific findings for treatments and therapies.

Clinical relevance

The importance of research findings in real-world medical contexts.

Neural circuitry

Connections between neurons that are important for processing information in the brain.

Stem cell therapy

Medical treatment that uses stem cells to repair or regenerate damaged tissues.

G protein-coupled receptors

Cell surface receptors involved in transmitting signals from outside the cell.

Progenitor cells

Early stem cells that are on their way to fully differentiating into specialized cells.

Adult neurogenesis regulation

Mechanisms that control the production and maturation of new neurons in adults.

Stress and depression

Conditions that negatively impact the differentiation and maturation of neural progenitor cells.