Role of Neural Precursor Cells of Ventricular Wall Origin in Endogenous Plasticity in Animal Models of PD

Stem cells attract much interest in research on neurodegenerative disorders, because it might become possible to replace lost neurons. Because success and feasibility of transplantation approaches are limited, an attractive alternate option is to search for means to induce the endogenous potential for regeneration. The brain contains stem cells, which could provide regeneration. Even regenerative neurogenesis might be possible. However, the majority of cells generated from endogenous stem cells after damage are not new neurons, but belong to the glial cells, an umbrella term for essentially all non-neuronal cells of the brain. It recently became obvious that this glial response to injury or degeneration is much more complex than previously thought and partially also much more beneficial than assumed. Possibly the regenerative potential from these precursor cell-derived glial cells is much greater than the chance to achieve neuronal replacement. In the planned project we investigate, how endogenous precursor cells respond to an animal model of Parkinson disease. In order to dissect the heterogeneity of these cells, we will characterize the cells that migrate towards the site of neuronal damage in as many details and possible and even try to follow the cells "live" in a slice of living tissue. The goal is to describe the response of endogenous precursor cells to the pathology characteristic of Parkinson's disease.