A Neurovascular Niche for Neurogenesis after Stroke

Stroke causes cell death but also birth and migration of new neurons within sites of ischemic damage. The cellular environment that induces neuronal regeneration and migration after stroke has not been defined. We have used a model of long-distance migration of newly born neurons from the subventricular zone to cortex after stroke to define the cellular cues that induce neuronal regeneration after CNS injury. Mitotic, genetic, and viral labeling and chemokine/growth factor gain- and loss-of-function studies show that stroke induces neurogenesis from a GFAP-expressing progenitor cell in the subventricular zone and migration of newly born neurons into a unique neurovascular niche in peri-infarct cortex. Within this neurovascular niche, newly born, immature neurons closely associate with the remodeling vasculature. Neurogenesis and angiogenesis are causally linked through vascular production of stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF1) and angiopoietin 1 (Ang1). Furthermore, SDF1 and Ang1 promote post-stroke neuroblast migration and behavioral recovery. These experiments define a novel brain environment for neuronal regeneration after stroke and identify molecular mechanisms that are shared between angiogenesis and neurogenesis during functional recovery from brain injury.