Fig. 1. Nestin-GFP expressing cells and dividing cell populations in the DG.

(A, B) Distribution of Nestin-GFP-expressing cells in the DG, after immunostaining for GFP (green) and NG2 (red). Pericytes and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs, immunopositive for NG2), are distributed throughout the DG, but are largely excluded from the GCL and the SGZ (outlined).

(C, D) High magnification images of a pericyte (C) and an OPC (D).

(E-G). Dividing cells in the DG. Nestin-GFP mice (n=4; age 2 months) received 3 injections of BrdU (150mg/kg) at 3 hr intervals and were sacrificed 1hr after the last injection. The number and phenotype of BrdU-positive cells (red) was determined, after staining for GFP (green) and GFAP (blue), for the defined regions of the DG: molecular layer (Mol L), GCL, SGZ, and hilus. Vast majority of dividing cells are located in the SGZ. Outside the SGZ, where QNPs and ANPs account for the largest number of dividing cells, NG2-positive morphologically distinct OPCs are the main proliferating cell type. In rare occasions, BrdU⁺Nestin-GFP⁺ pericytes and BrdU⁺Nestin-GFP^- cells (most likely representing endothelial cells) were detected in the blood vessels. Extremely rare BrdU⁺GFAP⁺Nestin-GFP^- astrocytes were observed only in the hilus and the molecular layer.

Scale bars are 50μm in A, 10μm in B, 5μm in C and D., and 75μm in E.

See also Figures S1 and S2 and Table S1.