Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) self-renew to generate differentiated neuronal and glial progeny throughout life. Identifying their intrinsic features and the factors regulating their proliferation is paramount to understanding what ensures successful neurogenesis. Besides their intrinsic signaling, NSPCs are sensitive to external cues, both local and systemic, brought in by the cellular microenvironment in which they reside, known as the niche.

In response to the complexity of mammalian systems, a number of simpler model organisms harboring core conserved properties have emerged to study neurogenesis thanks to their ease, specificity, and power of manipulation. The goal of this Methods Collection is to collect protocols for observing and manipulating NPSCs in non-mammalian models, ranging from in vitro culture to evaluate intrinsic features to a full in vivo setup to measure extrinsic sensitivity.