Single-cell transcriptome analyses reveal signals to activate dormant neural stem cells.

Through single cell transcriptome analysis, we uncovered molecular signatures of CD133+/GFAP- ependymal (E) cells, CD133+/GFAP+ neural stem (B) cells, Dlx2+ neuroblasts (A cells), and Sox10+ oligodendrocyte progenitors (O cells) in the adult mouse forebrain neurogenic zone. prominent hub genes of the gene network unique to ependymal CD133+/GFAP- quiescent cells are enriched for receptors of angiogenic factors and immune-responsive genes. Administration of VEGF activated CD133+ ependymal stem cells lining not only the lateral, but also the 4th ventricles, and together with bFGF, elicited subsequent neural lineage differentiation and migration. Examination of 28 single cells and 4 populations of 10 cells from adult mouse forebrain neurogenic zone.