Endogenous neural stem cell (eNSC) (eNSC)

Endogenous neural stem cells (eNSCs) are multipotent, self-renewing cells residing in specific niches of the adult mammalian brain, primarily the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus (Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2021; NIH, 2022). These cells are essential for neurogenesis and brain plasticity, possessing the ability to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes throughout life (NIH, 2022). In pathological states such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, eNSCs are activated and migrate toward the site of injury to facilitate repair (MDPI, 2022; Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022). However, their natural regenerative potential is often hindered by the hostile microenvironment of the damaged brain, which frequently promotes astrocytic differentiation and glial scar formation instead of functional neuronal replacement (NIH, 2025). Pharmacological interventions aim to harness these cells by using small molecules like metformin and fluoxetine, or growth factors like EGF and BDNF, to stimulate proliferation and directed differentiation (ScienceDaily, 2021; NIH, 2022). While promising, therapeutic activation of eNSCs faces challenges such as the risk of tumorigenesis and the need for precise control over cell fate to ensure functional recovery (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022).

Other names

Neural stem cellNeural progenitor cellAdult neural stem celleNSCNSPCNeural stem/progenitor cell

Activation of endogenous neurogenesis through signaling pathways such as Wnt/beta-catenin, Notch, and Sonic hedgehog; modulation of the stem cell niche to promote proliferation, migration, and neuronal differentiation (NIH, 2022; Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022).