The field of adult neural stem cells is highly active, but much of the work relies on animal models of the subventricular zone. This publication provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the human subventricular zone, noting significant differences between the human brain and that of any other studied species. Because much of today’s work in adult neural stem cells is being done with translational interests in mind, it is important to know how well these model systems correlate.

The discovery of a ribbon of adult human astrocytes lining the lateral ventricles which can function as neural stem cells may be useful as both a source of neuroregeneration and also as an origin of human brain tumors.

We have characterized a region in the human brain that can produce new neurons throughout adult life. This area features a collection of astrocytes lining the lateral ventricles that function as neural stem cells. The function of these neural stem cells remains unknown, but is unlike that of other studied animals.

As a medical student and then as a neurosurgery resident at UCSF, I have always had an interest in adult neural stem cells. Specifically, I am curious as to the role they may play in tumorigenesis. However, when I considered the clinical implications of the subventricular zone, it became clear that a better understanding of this region in the human brain would be a necessary first step.