Neural Precursor Cell Galvanotaxis is Conserved Across Age and is Modulated by Resting Membrane Potential

Neural stem and progenitors cells, together termed “neural precursor cells” (NPCs), line the subependyma of the mammalian brain. NPCs are multipotent and undergo a proliferative and migratory response in development as well as in response to injury, making them an attractive target for cell replacement therapeutics. NPCs respond to electric fields with increased migratory directedness and speed. This thesis focuses on characterizing the differences in galvanotactic migration over age. We have discovered that NPC galvanotaxis showed conserved migratory patterns in the presence or absence of niche factors over age. We demonstrate that resting membrane potential modulations, using the hyperpolarizing drug Diazoxide, induced increased migration. Moreover, NPC niche derived factors found within conditioned media is able to modify the NPC galvanotactic response. Our preliminary studies have identified IGF-1 as a potential modulator of membrane potential and NPC galvanotaxis. This work will inform the efficacy of neural repair strategies across age.M.Sc