Neural stem cells (NSCs) are important in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. NSCs are multipotent and can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. This pluripotent capacity enables them to contribute to both the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord. NSCs are found in specific regions of the central nervous system (CNS), primarily in areas termed neurogenic niches. In man, these niches include the subventricular zone (SVZ) lining the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. NSCs self-renew, producing identical daughter cells, whilst maintaining their stem cell identity. This property ensures a continuous pool of NSCs throughout an individual's life and is vital for neurogenesis and neural tissue maintenance. Self-renewal in neural stem cells (NSCs) is regulated by several signalling pathways that maintain the undifferentiated state and enable NSCs to generate both neurons and glial cells. Some of the key signalling pathways involved in NSC self-renewal include: 1) the Notch Signalling Pathway. When Notch ligands (e.g., Delta and Jagged) on neighbouring cells bind to Notch receptors on NSCs, it triggers the activation of downstream targets that promote self-renewal and inhibit differentiation; 2) Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling Pathway. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a dual role in NSC regulation. Low levels of Wnt signalling promote NSC self-renewal, whilst higher levels trigger NSC differentiation. β-catenin, a key component of this pathway, translocates to the nucleus activating genes that regulate NSC fate; 3) Hedgehog (Hh) Signalling Pathway. Hedgehog signalling is essential for maintaining NSC populations in specific regions of the developing brain, such as the ventricular zone. Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and other Hh ligands activate downstream targets, including Gli transcription factors, thereby promoting NSC self-renewal and proliferation; 4) Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Signalling Pathway. BMP signalling acts as a negative regulator of NSC self-renewal, with high BMP signalling inducing NSC differentiation into astrocytes, and blockade of BMP signalling promoting self-renewal; 5) Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) Signalling Pathway. FGFs, particularly FGF2, are important for NSC self-renewal and proliferation, activating pathways that maintain NSCs in an undifferentiated state and supporting their proliferation. NSCs share some properties with astrocytes, a type of glial cell. They have similar radial glial morphology and can serve as a source of astrocytes during brain development and repair. NSC-derived neurons can integrate into existing neural circuits, forming functional connections with other neurons. This integration is essential for their contribution to brain function and repair. In response to CNS injury NSCs are activated and mobilized to the injury site. Whilst their regenerative capacity is limited, these cells may play a role in neurorepair and recovery. NSCs are however challenging to isolate and maintain in culture due to their complex niche requirements, with specialized culture conditions and techniques required to expand and study NSCs effectively. NSCs hold promise for various therapeutic applications, including neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's, Alzheimer's), spinal cord injuries, and neurological disorders. NSCs, especially those generated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are increasingly valuable for modelling neurological diseases in the laboratory. We offer a comprehensive product range of research tools for studying neural stem cells, including GFAP antibodies, Vimentin antibodies, Transferrin Receptor antibodies, Cystatin C ELISA Kits, and CNTF ELISA Kits. Explore our full neural stem cells product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Intracellular, Surface Molecules, and Glial Restricted Lineage product ranges.