A recent study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, led by Dr. Derek van der Kooy, uncovers the role of origin in determining stem cell fate. Neuronal stem cells that originate in the cortex and migrate to the striatum have different characteristics than neuronal stem cells derived in the striatum itself.

Using GFP-tagged cortex-derived neuronal stem cells they were able to monitor the proliferation and migration of these cells and determine the phenotype of their progeny. The group found that—compared to stem cells of striatal origin—stem cells from the cortex proliferate at a faster rate, migrate to the olfactory bulb earlier, form a greater proportion of periglomerular dopaminergic neurons in the olfactory bulb and are more likely to differentiate into astrocytes.

These studies suggest that neural stem cells have a memory based on the location of their origin which affects their growth patterns, migration and differentiation.

Cortex- and striatum- derived neural stem cells produce distinct progeny in the olfactory bulb and striatum. Willaime-Morawek S, van der Kooy D. Eur J Neurosci. 2008 May. [Abstract]

McEwen investigator Peter Zandstra has been named in Caldwell Partners’ annual Top 40 Under 40 for 2007, a list that celebrates the achievements of the top young minds in Canada.

Dr. Zandstra, professor at University of Toronto, Canada Research Chair in Stem Cell Bioengineering and Former Mary Gertrude I'Anson Professor of Tissue Engineering, has been recognized for his work in tissue engineering to determine how stem cell fate is regulated by endogenous and intracellular signals.

Dr. Carla Bender Kim, Harvard University, visited the McEwen Centre last month to discuss her research on stem cells in normal lung and lung cancer as part of the McEwen/McLaughlin seminar series. Dr. Kim is known the world over for her discovery of lung cancer stem cells.

Dr. Kim described a population of cells (BASCs) with stem cell properties. With a series of elegant mouse experiments she demonstrated the role of BASCs in the development of tumours in the lung. Bmi1, a gene known to be overexpressed in certain types of lung cancer, appears to play an important role in maintaining the self-renewal capacities of BASCs.

The next McEwen Workshop will take place on June 5, 2008 at 4-6pm at the Amphitheatre, TGH Residence, located at the corner of Elizabeth and Gerrard streets. Drs. John Dick and Norman Iscove will give lectures on their current research. Watch your inbox for more details in the coming days.