Extracellular molecules play various roles in neural stem cell (NSC) biology, influencing their fate, proliferation, differentiation, and overall functionality. NSCs have the capacity to self-renew and give rise to various neural cell types, making them critical in neurodevelopment and endowing them with the potential to be used in therapeutic applications. The extracellular molecules that NSCs encounter within their microenvironment profoundly impacts their behaviour and functions. Growth factors are essential extracellular molecules in NSC biology. Examples include epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). EGF and FGFs both stimulate NSC proliferation and prevent their differentiation, maintaining the self-renewing NSC pool during development. Additionally, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) promote NSC differentiation into specific neural cell types. Neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), promote NSC survival, growth, and differentiation into neurons. These secreted molecules are crucial for neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and the maintenance of neural circuits. ECM proteins, such as laminin and fibronectin, form the structural framework of the neural microenvironment. They provide both a physical support for NSCs and participate in signalling pathways. Integrins on NSC surfaces interact with ECM proteins, transmitting signals that regulate aspects of NSC behaviour, including migration and differentiation.Extracellular molecules like Delta and Jagged proteins engage in cell-cell signalling through the Notch pathway. Activation of Notch receptors in NSCs can inhibit differentiation and maintain their stem cell capacity. This intercellular communication is therefore vital for appropriate neural development. Wnt proteins are secreted extracellular molecules that activate intracellular signalling pathways. In NSCs, Wnt signalling can either promote self-renewal or trigger differentiation, depending on the specific context and signalling cascade activated. Chemokines and cytokines are recognized as key players in immune responses and inflammation, but they can also influence NSC behaviour. For example, interleukin-6 (IL-6) can induce NSC proliferation, whilst tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) may have inhibitory effects on NSC differentiation. Hormones, including thyroid and steroid hormones also have important effects on NSCs. Thyroid hormones, for example, are essential for brain development and regulate NSC proliferation and differentiation. Steroids, including glucocorticoids, can impact NSC behaviour and have implications for stress-related neural disorders. Exosomes -small extracellular vesicles released by various cell types- can modulate the behaviour of neighbouring NSCs or other cell types in the neural microenvironment. Exosomes may be important for cell-cell communication within the nervous system. They may enable NSCs for example to exchange information with neighbouring cells, such as neurons, glial cells, and endothelial cells. This communication may be essential for coordinating various developmental processes and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Finally, neurons release neurotransmitters that can influence NSC functions. For instance, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been shown to regulate NSC proliferation and differentiation. The balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters can impact NSC behaviour and neural network formation. Additional environmental cues, such as oxygen levels and extracellular pH, may also affect NSCs. Hypoxia, for example, can promote NSC self-renewal and maintain their stemness, whereas changes in pH can influence their differentiation. We offer a large product range of research reagents for investigating NSCs extracellular molecules, including Fibronectin antibodies, Cystatin C antibodies, Tenascin C antibodies, Cystatin C ELISA Kits, and Fibronectin ELISA Kits. Explore our full NSCs extracellular molecules product range below and discover more, for less.