Nestin

Nestin is a type 6 intermediate filament (IF) protein that is expressed in stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS) during development. It is a marker for multipotent neural stem cells, and its expression diminishes when the cells differentiate. Nestin has been widely used in research as a primary indicator of neural stem cell potential.

Structure

Nestin is a large protein, with a molecular weight of approximately 220 kDa. It is characterized by a central α-helical rod domain flanked by non-α-helical N-terminal (head) and C-terminal (tail) domains. The rod domain is responsible for the assembly of nestin into intermediate filaments, while the head and tail domains are thought to mediate interactions with other cellular structures and proteins.

Function

Nestin plays a crucial role in the development of the nervous system. It is expressed in dividing cells during the early stages of embryogenesis, and its expression is maintained in areas of the brain where neurogenesis continues into adulthood, such as the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Nestin-positive cells have the ability to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, the three main cell types of the CNS.

In addition to its role in neurogenesis, nestin is also expressed in other types of stem cells, including those found in the pancreas, prostate, and hair follicle. This suggests that nestin may have a more general role in stem cell biology.

Clinical significance

Alterations in nestin expression have been associated with a variety of pathological conditions. For example, nestin is re-expressed in the brain following injury, suggesting a role in the regenerative response. In addition, nestin expression is often upregulated in cancer, including glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain tumor. This has led to the suggestion that nestin could be used as a marker for cancer stem cells.

See also

• Intermediate filament
• Neural stem cell
• Neurogenesis
• Glioblastoma