Brain stem cell longevity is linked to a key protein
According to a Rutgers University study, the receptor, which was initially identified as being necessary for insulin action and is also located deep within the brains, of mice, plays a pivotal role in brain stem cell survival. This finding has significant implications for brain health, including future treatments for brain disorders.
In a study published in Stem Cell Reports (volume 0), a protein called the insulin receptor was identified as being abundant in neural stem cells located in the subventricular zone of the brain. The neural stem cells are responsible for the development of the nervous system and persist in adulthood. These neural stem cells continue to produce new neurons, as well as non-neuronal cell types that are essential for the maintenance of the brain’s infrastructure and function.
Separately, scientists found another discovery when they examined brain tumors. INSR is crucial in maintaining and sustaining a population specialized brain cancer stem cells called glioblastoma. Inactivating the INSR within the GBM stem cell population inhibited growth of these primitive tumor-forming cells.
Source:
https://www.rutgers.edu/news/key-protein-identified-brain-stem-cell-longevity
