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What are NSC cells?

Published in Neural Stem Cells 1 min read

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are the foundational stem cells of the nervous system. During development, they are responsible for giving rise to the entire complex structure of the nervous system. To understand their role better, let's break down key aspects of NSCs:

Understanding Neural Stem Cells

  • Definition: As stated in the provided reference, neural stem cells (NSCs) are the stem cells of the nervous system.
  • Function: Their primary function is to generate all the various cell types found within the nervous system.

NSCs in Development

  • Role: NSCs are crucial during the development of an organism.
  • Differentiation: They differentiate (transform) into the diverse cell types required for a functional nervous system. These include:
    • Neurons (nerve cells)
    • Astrocytes (support cells)
    • Oligodendrocytes (insulating cells)

Importance of NSCs

NSCs are significant because they:

  • Build the entire nervous system in developing organisms.
  • Hold potential for regenerative medicine, specifically in treating nervous system disorders.