Item – Theses Canada

OCLC number
58930272
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
Alexson, Tania Oresta,1975-
Title
Notch signalling is required for neural stem cell maintenance.
Degree
M. Sc. -- University of Toronto, 2004
Publisher
Ottawa : National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, [2004]
Description
2 microfiches.
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
We define stem cells by two hallmark characteristics: multipotentiality and self-renewal. In this thesis, we investigate the role of Notch--a conserved intercellular signalling pathway--in neural stem cell (NSC) behaviour. We provide evidence that Notch signalling is essential for the maintenance of the NSC population. In embryos, Notch signalling is required for all NSCs to undergo expansionary symmetric divisions (ESD), regardless of the cellular environment. Within the adult, however, Notch signalling modulates the cell cycle time in order to prevent brain NSC exhaustion. Thus, Notch signalling effects in the embryo and adult appear different. Hypotheses are discussed which attempt to resolve this discrepancy, including the ability of the cell cycle to modify the mode of division. To account for the mode of division and cell cycle modifications, a model is proposed: With increasing cell cycle time, an ESD can be converted to an asymmetric and then finally, to a terminal symmetric division.
ISBN
0612915611
9780612915619