β1 integrins and neural stem cells:: making sense of the extracellular environment

Neural Stem Cells (NSC) are present in the developing and adult CNS. In both the embryonic and adult neurogenic regions, beta 1 integrins may act as sensors for the changing extracellular matrix. Here we highlight the integrative functions that beta 1 integrins may play in the "niche" by regulating NSC growth factor responsiveness in a timely and spatially controlled manner. beta 1 integrins may provide NSC with the capacity to react to a dynamic "niche", and to respond adequately by either remaining as stem cells or by differentiating and migrating away to shape the developing cortex. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.