How Neural Lineage Cells Contribute to Brain Function and Behavior

Author: Laura Pozzi Ph.D., Scientific Content Manager, Atlas Antibodies AB, Sweden

The neural lineage pathway involves differentiating pluripotent stem cells into various cell types that make up the central and peripheral nervous systems. These cell types include neuroepithelial cells (or neural stem cells), radial glial cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and neurons (including motor neurons).

Neural stem cells can divide and give rise to neurons and other supportive cells of the nervous system, such as glial cells. They play a crucial role in the development and repair of the nervous system.

Radial glial cells are specialized glial cells that serve as a scaffold for migrating newly formed neurons in the developing brain. They are characterized by long processes that extend from the ventricular zone to the pial surface and serve as a guide for migrating neurons to their final destinations. Radial glial cells also play a role in regulating neural stem cell division and differentiation.

Both neural stem cells and radial glial cells, but also mature glial cells and developed neurons, are essential for the proper formation and function of the nervous system. Changes in the migration or differentiation of neural stem cells, or alterations in the normal function of glial cells, can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain that contribute to the development of many disorders, such as neurodegenerative disorders and brain tumors.

Neural Lineage Development Markers

Atlas Antibodies manufactures primary polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies targeting relevant markers in the neural lineage development pathways such as E-cadherin/CDH1, FABP7/BLBP, EOMES/TBR2, DCX, RBFOX3/NeuN, and many more.

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How do neural lineage studies contribute to our understanding of brain function and behavior?

Understanding the biology of neural lineage cells and their role in the developing brain is crucial for advancing our understanding of brain development and developing new therapies for nervous system disorders.

4 reasons why it is important to study the neural lineage pathways

• Understanding Development: Studying neural lineage pathways helps us understand the process of embryonic development and the formation of the nervous system.

• Disease Mechanisms: Understanding the lineage pathways can provide insight into the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia.

• Regenerative Medicine: Knowledge of neural lineage pathways can be used for developing regenerative medicine approaches for treating neurological diseases and injuries.

• Modeling Human Brain Disorders: Studying neural lineage pathways can provide valuable information for modeling human brain disorders in vitro, which is critical for developing new treatments and drugs.

How do primary antibodies help in neural lineage research studies?

Knowing how neural lineage pathways work and how they can be visualized is essential for advancing our understanding of the central and peripheral nervous system and its development and finding new treatments for brain diseases.

Primary antibodies play a crucial role in neural lineage research studies by specifically identifying and labeling specific proteins or cell types within the nervous system. When labeled with a fluorescent marker or other visualizing tag, you can identify the location and distribution of specific proteins or cell types within the brain.

For example, you may use antibodies specific to a particular marker protein expressed by a specific type of neural stem cell, allowing you to track the progression of that cell type as it differentiates and migrates throughout the nervous system. You can also use antibodies specific to proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as tau or alpha-synuclein, to study the distribution and progression of the disease within the brain.

Overall, by using primary antibodies, you can gain a more detailed and specific understanding of the cells and processes involved in neural lineage and brain diseases, which can inform the development of new treatments and therapies. PrecisA Monoclonals and Triple A Polyclonals are enhanced validated primary antibodies highly specific to their target. 

Must read! If you wish to learn more

• Bandler RC, et al. Single-cell delineation of lineage and genetic identity in the mouse brain. Nature 2022; 601:404–409
• Barker RA, et al. Stem cells and neurological diseases. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 2003;74:553-557
• Bizzotto S, Walsh CA. Genetic mosaicism in the human brain: from lineage tracing to neuropsychiatric disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2022; 23(5):275-286. 
• Figueres-Oñate, et al. Deciphering neural heterogeneity through cell lineage tracing. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 2021;78:1971–1982 
• Wang R, et al. Adult Human Glioblastomas Harbor Radial Glia-like Cells. Stem Cell Reports, 2020;14(2):338-350 
• Zhou B, et al. Oligodendrocyte lineage cells and depression. Mol Psychiatry 2021;26:103–117  

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