The potential of bone marrow as a source of neural precursors

Research on neural stem cells isolated from embryonic, fetal and adult tissues has engendered novel perspectives regarding the identity, origin and full therapeutic potential of tissue-specific stem cells. Review of the similarities and differences between the stem cells that give rise to nervous system (neuropoiesis) and those that generate the various blood cell lineages (hematopoiesis) provides new insights into the process of neuronal differentiation. In this review, we compare hematopoiesis and neuropoiesis from several perspectives starting with ontogenetic considerations and ending with discussion of the cellular interactions of marrow-derived cells with neural cells in vitro and in vivo.