From the vascular microenvironment to neurogenesis

In response to injury, the function of the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is repaired by angiogenesis and neurogenesis. The proliferation, differentiation and migration of the neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are regulated by several components of the vascular microenvironment within the neural stem cell niche. Vascular endothelial cells (VECs), which make up blood vessels, as well as extracellular components, affect neurogenesis directly via contacting with NPCs. Additionally, soluble factors from the vascular system that are released into the CNS enhance neurogenesis in the form of paracrine signaling. The purpose of this mini-review is to highlight the roles of the vascular microenvironment as a mediator in promoting neurogenesis.