Neural stem cells (NSCs) - a specialized type of stem cell found in the nervous system- are critical for the development, maintenance, and repair of neural tissues. Several intracellular proteins and markers are associated with the identification and study of these cells. Nestin is one of the best known and widely used markers for identifying neural stem cells. Nestin is an intermediate filament cytoskeletal protein that provides structural support to cells. Nestin expression is particularly prominent in undifferentiated or early-stage NSCs, making it a reliable marker for their presence. The transcription factor Sox2 is another key marker of NSCs. It plays a key role in maintaining the self-renewal and pluripotency of NSCs. Sox2 regulates the expression of genes that control NSC identity and function. For example, Sox2 influences the expression of genes involved in the Notch signalling pathway, including Notch receptors and ligands. Notch signalling is crucial for maintaining NSC self-renewal and regulating the balance between NSC proliferation and differentiation and its expression is often indicative of stem cell properties. Musashi-1 is an RNA-binding protein expressed in neural stem and progenitor cells. It is involved in maintaining stem cell characteristics and promoting self-renewal. Musashi-1 regulates the translation of specific mRNAs related to stem cell maintenance. For example, Musashi-1 is involved in promoting asymmetric cell division, ensuring the continued production of both stem cells and differentiated progeny. Several additional intracellular markers are used in the context of NSCs. They include: 1) GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein). Whilst GFAP is primarily associated with mature astrocytes, it is also expressed in the subset of NSCs known as radial glia. Radial glia act as NSCs during early brain development and express GFAP, making it a marker for these specialized NSCs; 2) Pax6. Pax6 is a transcription factor involved in brain and eye development. It is expressed in NSCs and plays a role in the regulation of neural stem cell fate; 3) BLBP (Brain Lipid-Binding Protein). BLBP is expressed in radial glial cells, a type of NSC that plays a pivotal role in brain development. BLBP is involved in regulating radial glial cell behaviour and fate during neurogenesis; 4) Notch Signalling Proteins. The Notch signalling pathway is essential for NSC maintenance and fate determination. Proteins like Notch1 and Notch2, along with their ligands (Delta-like and Jagged), are key components of this pathway, influencing NSC self-renewal and differentiation decisions; 5) Hes (Hairy and Enhancer of Split) Proteins. Hes proteins are downstream effectors of the Notch pathway and are often used as markers for NSCs. They help maintain NSC populations and regulate the balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Thus, neural stem cells are characterized by a set of intracellular proteins and markers that help identify and study these cells. Nestin, Sox2, Musashi-1, Prominin-1, GFAP, Pax6, BLBP, Notch signaling proteins, Hes proteins, and Ki-67 are among the most important markers and proteins associated with NSCs. We offer a comprehensive product catalogue of research tools for studying intracellular NSCs markers, including PSCA antibodies. Explore our full intracellular NSCs markers product range below and discover more, for less.