Neural microvascular pericytes contribute to human adult neurogenesis

Herein we utilise the precision of ultrastructural resolution and anatomical simplicity of accessible human dental pulp neurogenic zone to address the origin of adult neurogenic precursors. We disclose a basal level of adult neurogenic activity characterized by glial invasion of terminal microvasculature followed by release of mural pericytes and subsequent reprogramming into local interneurons. Concomitant angiogenesis accelerates the rate of neurogenesis by amplifying release and proliferation of the mural pericyte. Findings foreshadow the bimodal nature of the glio ‐vascular assembly where pericytes, under instruction from glial cells, can stabilize the quiescent microvasculature or enrich local inter‐neuronal microcircuits upon reprogramming and differentiation. AbstractConsistent adult neurogenic activity in humans is observed in specific niches within the central nervous system. However, the notion of an adult neurogenic niche is challenged by accumulating evidence for ectopic neurogenic activity in other cerebral locations. Herein we interface precision of ultrastructural resolution and anatomical simplicity of accessible human dental pulp neurogenic zone to address this conflict. We disclose a basal level of adult neurogenic activity characterized by glial invasion of terminal microvasculature followed by release of individual platelet ‐derived growth factor receptor‐β mural pericytes and subsequent reprogramming into NeuN+ local interneurons. Concomitant ang...

Source: The Journal of Comparative Neurology - November 23, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Ramin M. Farahani, Saba Rezaei ‐Lotfi, Mary Simonian, Munira Xaymardan, Neil Hunter Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research