The Palmer lab examines neural stem cells in development and in the adult brain. The lab has been able to reconstruct the conditions of neurogenesis in the Petri dish. Their studies of stem cells in the adult focus on the hippocampus, an area of the brain where neurogenesis naturally continues throughout life. The generation of new neurons within the hippocampus is mediated by proliferating neural stem or progenitor cells (NPCs). NPCs in the mammalian central nervous system have the ability to self-renew as well as differentiate into mature neurons. This inherent neurogenic potential suggests that tissue-derived or embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived NPCs may be used to replace the damaged neurons in individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease. Understanding the mechanisms regulating NPC survival and integration in the brain is critical to improve the outcome of future clinical transplantations. My current work is focused on how the immune system influences NPC transplant integration, maturation, and survival in a murine model.