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, beta1 integrins may act as sensors for the changing extracellular matrix. Here we highlight the integrative functions that beta1 integrins may play in the "niche" by regulating NSC growth factor responsiveness in a timely and spatially controlled manner. beta1 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.