Directions in cell migration along the rostral migratory stream: The pathway for migration in the brain

The rostral migratory stream (RMS) is an extension of the subventricular zone (SVZ) that ends at the center of the olfactory bulb. In rodents, the SVZ and RMS contain the precursor cells for the olfactory interneurons. In development and throughout adult life, these neural precursors leave the SVZ, migrate tangentially along the RMS to the olfactory bulb, from where they then begin to migrate radially to their final destination and differentiate into mature neurons. Live imaging techniques have revealed the nature of RMS migrations at high spatial and temporal resolution. Through the use of genetic and other interventions, the molecular mechanisms controlling the migration are now beginning to emerge. Here we review the nature of the migrations and the putative molecular players. (C) 2004, Elsevier Inc.