Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 1 New understanding of the stem cell lineage (neuroepithelial cells
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radial glia
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type B
cells) and its derived progenitors suggest possible cells-of-origin for different types of brain
tumors. During embryonic development, ventricular zone neuroepithelial cells and radial glia
function as the primary precursors of young neurons (YN) and glial cells. During the perinatal
period, a subpopulation of periventricular radial glia assumes this function as the primary
progenitors. These radial glia have been suggested as a cell-of-origin for ependymomas. They
produce young neurons and oligodendrocytes through intermediary progenitors (type C
cells), as well through oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and premyelinating oligoden-
drocytes (PMOs). Collectively, these transit-amplifying cells are strong candidates as cells-of-
origin for multiple types of tumors. Parenchymal astrocytes are also produced by radial glia,
possibly through one or more astrocyte precursor cells (APCs) that may also divide. Thus,
