Figure 7.

Proposed model for VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 function in the adult SVZ. VEGFR-3 is expressed by a subpopulation of astrocytes (B) and almost all NSCs (B1), but not by the majority of TAPs (C), neuroblasts (A), and endothelial cells (bv). EGFR is expressed by the subpopulation of VEGFR-3 NSCs. VEGF-C produced by SVZ astrocytes and also other cell types promotes activation of VEGFR-3-expressing cells (i.e., niche astrocytes and NSCs), which increase in number following overexpression of VEGF-C. This enhances the number of TAPs and neuroblasts.