Cell migration in the developing and adult nervous system

Migration of neural cells in the nervous system is regulated by many factors that vary depending on the cell type involved and on whether the migration occurs during development or in the adult individual. These factors range from secreted chemo-attractive or chemorepulsive signals to membrane-bound guidance molecules that also regulate axon guidance, and signalling pathways and transcription factors that regulate how cells interpret the migration and guidance cues. During development, migratory cues are vital for guiding cells to the correct location to form specific regions of the nervous system. This is highlighted in reviews in this issue describing the formation of the hippocampus and cerebellum, cues involved in cortical interneuron and olfactory ensheathing cell location and the role of the Eph/ephrin family and signalling networks associated with non-canonical Wnt pathways. These developmental cues are contrasted in a review of the role of inflammatory mediators on adult neural precursor cells. This publication will be of benefit to scientists interested in neural development and regeneration and in the repair of the nervous system.