Migration of murine subventricular zone isolated neurospheres

The subventricular zone (SVZ) of the adult brain is a region known to contain a higher concentration of progenitor/stem cells than surrounding tissue. The SVZ progenitor/stem cells can be isolated and purified using neurosphere culturing technique. Neurosphere culturing is an attractive research model in that the lack of serum in culture media keeps progenitor/stem cells from differentiating and has even been shown to maintain genotypic and phenotypic profiles. The migratory capabilities of cancer cells has been explored in detail to elucidate the mechanisms behind recurrence and metastasis. However, the investigation of stem cells' role in recurrence and metastasis has only recently become an area of research. The current study examined the ability of neurospheres to migrate towards glioblastoma (GBM) cells and investigated the interaction of neurospheres with GBM released exosomes as a possible means to subsequent transformation into cancer stem cells (CSCs). Migration assays indicated that neurosphere isolates from the murine SVZ did not migrate toward GBM cells but were repelled in vitro. Interestingly, neurospheres are also repelled by serum containing media. These findings refute multiple studies that have indicated a chemo-attractive governance of stem cell migration by GBMs.