Young neurons from medial ganglionic eminence disperse in adult and embryonic brain

In this study, we identified neuronal precursors that can disperse through adult mammalian brain tissue. Transplanted neuronal precursors from embryon ic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), but not from lateral ganglionic eminen ce (LGE) or neocortex, dispersed and differentiated into neurons in multipl e adult brain regions. In contrast, only LGE cells were able to migrate eff iciently from the adult subventricular zone to the olfactory bulb. In embry onic brain slices, MGE cells migrated extensively toward cortex. Our result s demonstrate that cells in different germinal regions have unique migrator y potentials, and that adult mammalian brain can support widespread dispers ion of specific populations of neuronal precursors. These findings could be useful in repair of diffuse brain damage.