Neural stem cells (NSCs) typically show efficient self-renewal and selective differentiation. Their invasion potential, however, is not well studied. In this study, Sox2-positive NSCs from the E14.5 rat cortex were found to be non-invasive and showed only limited migration in vitro. By contrast, FGF2-expanded NSCs showed a strong migratory and invasive phenotype in response to the combination o...

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the cancer-associated process wherein an epithelial cell converts into a mesenchymal type cell. Mesenchymal cells lack apical polarity and secrete extracellular-matrix-degrading enzymes that provide them with enhanced migration capabilities. Moreover, EMT is closely related to cancer stem cell-like phenotype mutations, such as chemotherapy resistanc...