Quiescent adult neural stem cells are exceptionally sensitive to cosmic radiation

Encinas, Juan M., Vazquez, Marcelo E., Switzer, Robert C., Chamberland, Dennis W., Nick, Harry, Levine, Howard G., Scarpa, Philip J., Enikolopov, Grigori, Steindler, Dennis A. (2008) Quiescent adult neural stem cells are exceptionally sensitive to cosmic radiation. Experimental Neurology, 210 (1). 274-279 . ISSN 1090-2430 (Electronic) 1090-2430 (Linking)

[thumbnail of Quiescent_adult_neural_stem_cells.pdf]
Preview
PDF
Quiescent_adult_neural_stem_cells.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (410kB)
URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18076878
DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2007.10.021

Abstract

Generation of new neurons in the adult brain, a process that is likely to be essential for learning, memory, and mood regulation, is impaired by radiation. Therefore, radiation exposure might have not only such previously expected consequences as increased probability of developing cancer, but might also impair cognitive function and emotional stability. Radiation exposure is encountered in settings ranging from cancer therapy to space travel; evaluating the neurogenic risks of radiation requires identifying the at-risk populations of stem and progenitor cells in the adult brain. Here we have used a novel reporter mouse line to find that early neural progenitors are selectively affected by conditions simulating the space radiation environment. This is reflected both in a decrease in the number of these progenitors in the neurogenic regions and in an increase in the number of dying cells in these regions. Unexpectedly, we found that quiescent neural stem cells, rather than their rapidly dividing progeny, are most sensitive to radiation. Since these stem cells are responsible for adult neurogenesis, their death would have a profound impact on the production of new neurons in the irradiated adult brain. Our finding raises an important concern about cognitive and emotional risks associated with radiation exposure.

Item Type: Paper
Subjects: diseases & disorders > nervous system diseases and disorders
organism description > animal > developmental stage > adult
organism description > animal > mammal > primates > hominids > human
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > neurons
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > neurons
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > neurons
therapies > stem cells
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Enikopolov lab
Depositing User: Tom Adams
Date: 2008
Date Deposited: 25 Aug 2011 15:28
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2023 17:38
PMCID: PMC3286184
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/7725

Actions (login required)

Administrator's edit/view item Administrator's edit/view item
CSHL HomeAbout CSHLResearchEducationNews & FeaturesCampus & Public EventsCareersGiving