Adult SVZ Stem Cells Lie in a Vascular Niche: A Quantitative Analysis of Niche Cell-Cell Interactions

Here, they examine the relationship of adult SVZ NSC lineage cells to blood vessels using confocal imaging of SVZ whole mounts in which the normal 3D relationships of cells are preserved. Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) lie close to blood vessels in a vascular-derived laminin-rich niche. Cells expressing stem cell markers, including GFAP, and proliferation markers are closely apposed to the laminin-containing extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding vascular endothelial cells. Adult SVZ progenitor cells express the laminin receptor a6B1 integrin, and blocking this inhibits their adhesion to endothelial cells, altering their position and proliferation in vivo.