Editorial: Stem cell secretome

Abstract

Stem cells have the potential to advance therapy for many neurological diseases that are currently refractive to treatment. They are also key cellular players in homeostasis within several adult brain regions that host endogenous populations of neural stem cells. Investigations of the functions of stem cells in the adult CNS have historically approached these cells as sources of differentiated progeny, whether it be new neurons or new glial cells. Yet, as both basic research and pre-clinical efforts centered on stem cells in the brain push forward, it has become evident that this initial framework is incomplete. Emerging evidence indicates that stem and progenitor cells from a variety of tissues can regulate their microenvironment through production of secreted factors. This special issue highlights work investigating the role of the neural and non-neural stem cell secretome in regulating CNS function. These studies represent efforts both to more fully delineate the suite of factors secreted by stem cells and to evaluate its impact on CNS health and disease. Together, they demonstrate a broad potential for stem cell function through secreted proteins that urges continued basic and translational research in the years to come.