Beta-catenin signaling increases in proliferating NG2+ progenitors and astrocytes during post-traumatic gliogenesis in the adult brain.

Wnt/beta-catenin signaling can influence the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor populations in the hippocampus and subventricular zone, known germinal centers in the adult mouse brain. It is not known whether beta-catenin signaling occurs in quiescent glial progenitors in cortex or spinal cord, nor is it known whether beta-catenin is involved in the activation of glial progenitor populations after injury. Using a beta-catenin reporter mouse (BATGAL mouse), we show that beta-catenin signaling occurs in NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan+ (NG2) progenitors in the cortex, in subcallosal zone (SCZ) progenitors, and in subependymal cells surrounding the central canal.

Wnt signaling: it gets more humorous with age.

In addition to its myriad of contributions in development, disease and regeneration, recent research implicates the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling cascade in yet another biological process - aging. The latest role of Wnt uncovers new complexities and opportunities for modulating the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in regenerative medicine.