Ventricularsubventricular

Ventricular-subventricular, often referred to as the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ), denotes a neural stem cell niche that lines the walls of the lateral ventricles in the mammalian brain. This region sits at the interface between the ventricular system and the surrounding brain tissue and hosts a dynamic cellular ecosystem that supports adult neurogenesis.

The V-SVZ contains several cell types. Ependymal cells line the ventricular surface and help form the barrier with the cerebrospinal fluid. Adjacent are astrocyte-like neural stem cells (type B cells) that express markers such as GFAP and Sox2. These stem cells generate transit-amplifying progenitors (type C cells), which in turn produce neuroblasts (type A cells). These newborn neurons typically migrate through the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb, where they differentiate into interneurons in many species.

In humans and other primates, the extent of ongoing neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb is less clear and may decline with age. Some evidence suggests limited neurogenic activity in the V-SVZ and alternative destinations for newborn neurons, particularly after injury or disease.

Regulation of the V-SVZ involves multiple signaling pathways and microenvironmental cues, including Notch, Wnt, SHH, BMP, FGF, and EGF signaling, as well as extracellular matrix components and vascular signals. These factors coordinate stem cell maintenance, lineage progression, and cell migration within the niche.

Understanding the ventricular-subventricular zone has implications for regenerative medicine, as strategies to stimulate or direct endogenous neural stem cells could inform approaches to repair neurons lost to neurodegenerative diseases or brain injury. Clinical applications remain experimental and are an active area of research.