Spatial Distribution of Prominin-1 (CD133) – Positive Cells within Germinative Zones of the Vertebrate Brain

PLoS ONE, 2013 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063457 · Published: May 27, 2013

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

This research investigates prominin-1 (CD133), a protein marker, across different vertebrate species to understand its role in brain development and regeneration. The study maps the location of cells expressing prominin-1 in the brains of mice, chickens, axolotls, and zebrafish, focusing on areas of active cell growth (germinative zones). The findings reveal that prominin-1 is associated with these growth zones in all species, suggesting a conserved role in brain development and potential involvement in regeneration after injury, especially in axolotls.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Mice, chicken, axolotl, and zebrafish

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Prominin-1 expression is conserved in proliferative ventricular neurogenic cells across vertebrate species.
2
Prominin-1–positive cell populations exist in various neural extraventricular (parenchymal) locations in all animal models.
3
Prominin-1–positive cells are up-regulated during the epimorphic regeneration of the axolotl spinal cord, indicating their potential role in provoked neurogenesis.

Research Summary

The study provides a comparative analysis of prominin-1–positive progenitor cells across species, establishing a framework for further functional characterization in the context of regeneration. The research demonstrates a conserved association of prominin-1 with germinative zones of the CNS, manifested in co-localization with cell proliferation markers during normal constitutive neurogenesis. Enhanced expression of prominin-1 is evident during compensatory neurogenesis in the regenerating spinal cord of axolotls, suggesting a role in regeneration.

Practical Implications

Understanding Neural Regeneration

Identifying conserved markers like prominin-1 can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying neural regeneration in organisms with high regenerative capacity.

Stem Cell-Based Therapies

Characterizing prominin-1 expression patterns contributes to the development of stem cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Comparative Neurobiology

Comparing prominin-1 distribution across species provides insights into the evolution of neurogenic niches and regenerative capabilities.

Study Limitations

1
The study focuses on spatial distribution and does not fully elucidate the functional roles of prominin-1.
2
The exact mechanisms of prominin-1 involvement in neural regeneration require further investigation.
3
The study does not address the specific splice variants or isoforms of prominin-1 in non-mammalian vertebrates.

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