What kinds of astrocytes can function as stem cells?
We are in search for better markers, in the embryo and in the adult, for neural stem cells. We are studying the molecular signals that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. What is the function of neurons formed in the adult brain and how do olfactory learning and olfactory discrimination affect neuronal recruitment in the olfactory bulb? We are interested in behavioral or hormonal conditions that affect neuronal replacement in the olfactory bulb. In parallel we are developing techniques to stop neuronal production or migration to study their effects on the olfactory bulb and olfactory function. Are neural stem cells in the postnatal brain the origin of brain tumors? We are trying to test whether brain tumors originate from the astrocytes that function as stem cells in the adult brain. Do human SVZ astrocytes have neural stem cells potential? We have identified a band of stem cell astrocytes in the adult human brain. We are trying to determine the normal
