Neuroglobin: neuroprotection and neurogenesis.

Globins, such as hemoglobin, serve as oxygen sensors. Neuroglobin is the globin in brain. It is induced by ischemia and is protective in modeled stroke. Here, Haines et al. describe an additional property of neuroglobin, its expression in progenitor cell populations in brain during development. A physiologic role is offered but other data show progenitor cells response to injury and their neurotropic properties in ischemic brain.