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The role of taurine in improving neural stem cells proliferation and differentiation |
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| Authors: | Xiang-Wen Li Hong-Yan Gao |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Neonatology &2. NICU of Bayi Children's Hospital, the Army General Hospital of the Chinese PLA, Beijing 100700, China;3. Graduate School of the Liaoning Medical College, Jinzhou City 121001, Liaoning province, China;4. Department of Scientific Research, the Army General Hospital of the Chinese PLA, Beijing 100700, China |
| Abstract: | Objectives: Taurine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the central nervous system and has important functions in the promotion of brain development. This study aimed to determine the mechanistic role of taurine in improving neuronal proliferation, stem cell proliferation, and neural differentiation. Methods: The data for this review were primarily retrieved from the PubMed database from 1985 to 2015 in English. The search string included the keywords taurine, brain development, neuronal, stem cell, proliferation, differentiation, and others. Relevant publications were identified, retrieved, and reviewed. Results: This review introduces the source, function, and mechanisms of taurine in brain development and provides additional detail regarding the mechanistic role of taurine in improving neuronal proliferation, stem cell proliferation, and neural differentiation. Many studies concerning these aspects are discussed. Conclusions: Taurine plays an important role in brain development, including neuronal proliferation, stem cell proliferation, and differentiation, via several mechanisms. Taurine can be directly used in clinical applications to improve brain development because it has no toxic effects on humans. |
| Keywords: | CNS development and aging Animal models |