This image shows a postnatal neural stem cell (NSC) in the ventricular-subventricular zone. The majority of postnatal NSCs are maintained in a quiescent state, allowing for long-term maintenance.

Since quiescent cells appear to be ‘asleep’ it is easy to think of quiescence as a passive state of inactivity. However, as Dr. Alison Greenlaw, former graduate student in the Tsukiyama lab and author ...