Generation of neuronal variability and complexity

• Published in: Nature Vol. 441; no. 7097; pp. 1087 - 1093
• Main Authors: Gage, Fred H, Muotri, Alysson R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing 29.06.2006; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Animals; Antigens; Biological and medical sciences; Brain; Cell cycle; Cell differentiation; Cell Differentiation - genetics; Cell differentiation, maturation, development, hematopoiesis; Cell physiology; Cognitive ability; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene Expression Regulation - genetics; Humans; Immune system; Molecular and cellular biology; Nervous system; Neurogenesis; Neurons; Neurons - cytology; Neurons - physiology; Personality; Regenerative Medicine; Stem cells; Stem Cells - cytology; Stem Cells - physiology; Tissue engineering; Neuron; Cell differentiation; Stem cell; Variability
• ISSN: 0028-0836; 1476-4687; 1476-4679
• DOI: 10.1038/nature04959

The production of specialized differentiated neurons derived from stem cells has been proposed as a revolutionary technology for regenerative medicine. However, few examples of specific neuronal cell differentiation have been described so far. Although stem-cell tissue replacement might be seemingly straightforward in other cases, the high degree of complexity of the nervous system raises the challenge of tissue replacement substantially. Understanding mechanisms of neuronal diversification will not only be relevant for therapeutic purposes but might also shed light on the differences in cognitive abilities, personality traits and psychiatric conditions observed in humans.