Journal Article

DZNE-2026-01131

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Vascular endothelial growth factor A induces proliferation of adult neural progenitor cells in non-neurogenic periventricular regions of the adult mouse hindbrain.

Fauser, M. ; Bockholt, R. ; Keiner, S. ; Weselek, G. ; Hermann, A.DZNE* ; Redecker, C. ; Storch, A. (Last author)DZNE*

2026
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins London

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1097/WNR.0000000000002312

Abstract: In addition to the well-established neurogenic niche of the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) of the lateral ventricles, neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) have been identified in the periventricular regions (PVRs) throughout the adult mouse ventricular system. The potential role of these NPCs in neuroplasticity or neurorestoration, however, remains largely unexplored.Given that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) has been shown to promote stem cell proliferation in the V-SVZ, this study aimed to investigate VEGF-A effects on NPC proliferation in mid- and hindbrain PVRs.Healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice received continuous intracerebroventricular infusions of VEGF-A or artificial cerebrospinal fluid for 7 days. To label proliferating cells, daily injections of thymidine analogues were administered. Proliferation was assessed in the PVRs of the medial wall of the lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the aqueduct/fourth ventricle (hindbrain).Continuous VEGF-A infusion significantly increased overall cell proliferation in the third ventricle and hindbrain PVRs compared with controls, but not in the medial wall of the lateral ventricles. In hindbrain PVRs, the increase in proliferation was restricted to GFAP + Sox2 + NPCs. In contrast, in the wall of the third ventricle, VEGF-A infusion led to a significant reduction in ependymocyte proliferation, with no specific increase observed in other cell types.While continuous intracerebroventricular VEGF-A infusion enhances NPC proliferation in mid- and hindbrain PVRs, total counts of proliferating cells remain low, and significant lineage progression is not observed. These findings challenge the proposed neurorestorative role of resident NPCs in these brain regions, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Keyword(s): Animals (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Cell Proliferation: drug effects (MeSH) ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A: pharmacology (MeSH) ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A: administration & dosage (MeSH) ; Mice, Inbred C57BL (MeSH) ; Neural Stem Cells: drug effects (MeSH) ; Rhombencephalon: drug effects (MeSH) ; Rhombencephalon: cytology (MeSH) ; Mice (MeSH) ; Lateral Ventricles: drug effects (MeSH) ; Adult Stem Cells: drug effects (MeSH) ; Third Ventricle: drug effects (MeSH) ; Cerebral Ventricles: drug effects (MeSH) ; adult neural stem cells ; neural progenitor cells ; neurorestoration ; non-neurogenic regions ; periventricular regions ; vascular endothelial growth factor A ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's disease (AG Storch)
2. Translational Neurodegeneration (AG Hermann)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Allianz-Lizenz ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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