In addition, SE induces ectopic migration of granule cells into the hilar/CA3 border where they seem to form recurrent excitatory circuitries [72]. Even though it was hypothesized for a long time that aberrant neurogenesis after SE may disturb functional connectivity of the hippocampus, clear evidence that this is indeed the case was missing [76,77]. However, recently it was shown that selective genetic deletion of phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) in NSPCs leads to aberrant migration and maturation of newborn granule cells, which is sufficient to induce epileptic activity. These results support the hypothesis that aberrant seizure-induced neurogenesis contributes

to the epileptic disease process

click here [78]. Thus, current strategies aiming to reduce or normalize seizure-induced neurogenesis are being developed to ameliorate disease symptoms in rodent models of TLE. Regenerative medicine aims at harnessing the potential of pluripotent and somatic stem cells, through the transplantation or activation of resident stem cells in diseased tissues. In the C646 clinical trial last decade, great advancements have been made in the treatment of blood disorders such as thalassaemia and leukaemia, through the successful development of haematopoietic stem cell therapies. For the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, neural stem cell therapies have been developed in animal models and are beginning to find their way into human patient clinical trials. To be able to repair a damaged brain, a reliable source of neurones and glia is required. These neural cells can be derived from ES or induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and transplanted into brain tissue. Alternatively,

endogenous NSPCs that reside in the human brain also offer a promising source of neurones and glia that are suitable for repair (Figure 3). In animal models of stroke, it has been shown that endogenous SVZ NSPCs are able to migrate to a lesion site in the striatum and differentiate into neurones [79]. This finding suggests that adult NSPCs can contribute to brain repair in response to damage, even outside the neurogenic niche, through increased proliferation and neuronal replacement. In addition, several NSPC transplantation studies in mice have shown promising results, Levetiracetam with NSPCs differentiating into functional neurones within lesion sites as well as promoting neuroprotection of surviving neurones through the release of trophic factors and induction of angiogenesis (reviewed by Lindvall and Kokaia [80]). Adult NSPCs have been the focus of many studies for the treatment of diseases affecting neurones. However, it is important to note that NSPC fate is not restricted to the neuronal lineage and that NSPCs can give rise to oligodendrocytes in both neurogenic niches, offering a source of cells for the treatment of demyelinating diseases.