Cell surface proteins in neural stem cells (NSCs) are important for cellular functions that include signalling, cell adhesion, and communication with the surrounding microenvironment. These proteins therefore play essential roles in regulating NSC behaviour, self-renewal, differentiation, and interactions with neighbouring cells. CD133 (Prominin-1) is a glycoprotein and a common cell surface marker used to isolate and characterize NSCs, particularly in the developing brain. CD133-positive NSCs are multipotent, capable of differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. CD133 is involved in cell-cell interactions, cell adhesion, and signalling pathways that regulate NSC self-renewal and differentiation. It may also be involved in mediating the attachment of NSCs to their niche and their migration to specific regions of the brain. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase also found on the surface of NSCs. It plays an important role in regulating NSC proliferation and self-renewal. Binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to EGFR initiates signalling processes that promote NSC expansion and maintenance. Similarly, the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR), another receptor tyrosine kinase, is expressed in NSCs. It interacts with fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) to also control NSC proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation. FGFR signalling is thought to be important for the maintenance of NSC populations in both embryonic and adult neurogenic niches. Notch receptors (Notch 1-4) are additional important regulators of NSC fate determination. Notch signalling influences NSC cell fate between self-renewal or differentiation. Activation of Notch receptors by Delta-like (DLL) and Jagged ligands on neighbouring cells leads to downstream signalling events that act to maintain NSC identity inhibiting premature differentiation. Integrins -cell adhesion receptors- facilitate interactions between NSCs and the extracellular matrix (ECM). These interactions are thought to be critical for NSC migration, proliferation, and differentiation. For example, integrins α6β1 and αvβ3 are known to be involved in NSC adhesion and survival. An additional cell adhesion molecule, Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM), a glycoprotein, is involved in cell adhesion, neurite outgrowth, and synaptic plasticity. In NSCs it is thought to play a role in cell-cell interactions and NSC migration during development. Eph receptors and ephrin ligands are involved in cell-cell communication and act as guidance cues during neural development. They also play a role in NSC migration and axonal pathfinding, contributing to the formation of neural circuits. CD24 is a glycoprotein expressed on NSCs, particularly in the adult brain. It is involved in regulating NSC proliferation and differentiation. CD24-positive NSCs are known to have neurogenic potential. Finally, two receptors are of note in NSC biology. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor that regulates NSC migration and homing to specific niches in the brain. Its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), is secreted by various tissues, guiding NSCs to their destinations during development and in the adult brain. Leptin receptors (ObR) meanwhile are found on NSCs and play a role in energy homeostasis and neuroprotection. Leptin signalling also influences NSC proliferation and neurogenesis in response to changes in energy balance. Explore our full NSCs surface molecules product range below and discover more, for less.