Developmental and functional relationships between hypothalamic tanycytes and embryonic radial glia

The hypothalamus is a key regulator of several homeostatic processes, such as circadian rhythms, energy balance, thirst, and thermoregulation. Recently, the hypothalamic third ventricle has emerged as a site of postnatal neurogenesis and gliogenesis. This hypothalamic neural stem potential resides in a heterogeneous population of cells known as tanycytes, which, not unlike radial glia, line the floor and ventrolateral walls of the third ventricle and extend a long process into the hypothalamic parenchyma. Here, we will review historical and recent data regarding tanycyte biology across the lifespan, focusing on the developmental emergence of these diverse cells from embryonic radial glia and their eventual role contributing to a fascinating, but relatively poorly characterized, adult neural stem cell niche.

Automated summary

The hypothalamus is an important regulator of various homeostatic processes, including circadian rhythms, energy balance, thirst, and thermoregulation. Recent research has revealed the presence of neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the hypothalamic third ventricle, mediated by a population of cells known as tanycytes. These tanycytes resemble radial glia and are located in the floor and ventrolateral walls of the third ventricle, extending into the hypothalamic parenchyma. This review focuses on the developmental origin of tanycytes from embryonic radial glia and their role in the adult neural stem cell niche, which is still not well understood.