Identification of a novel deeply quiescent neural stem cell population in the subventricular zone

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) demonstrates that these cells represent a previously unappreciated population of qNSCs with a unique transcriptional profile and a less differentiated state than the canonically accepted GLAST+ NSCs.

In particular, the analysis further reveals expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C (5-HT2C receptor) and prolactin receptor (PRLR), which were previously functionally correlated with qNSCs but not captured or profiled in RNAseq experiments. This study also identifies novel markers, including Kcnj13, a gene that encodes the potassium channel KiR7.1, that define the identity of these cells.