Applications of Xylosides in the Manipulation of Stem Cell Niche to Regulate Human Neural Stem Cell Differentiation and Neurite Outgrowth

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of neural stem cell differentiation, axon guidance and growth, and neural plasticity. Glycosaminoglycans, such as heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, are significant components of brain ECM that dictates neurogenesis and neural repair. Herein, we describe a simple method to assess the effect of xylsoides, which serve as primers and inhibitors of GAG biosynthesis, on human neural stem cell differentiation and neurite outgrowth in in vitro culture conditions.

Keywords: Glia; Glycosaminoglycans; Heparan sulfate; Human neural stem cells; Neurite outgrowth; Stem cell differentiation; Xylosides.