Embryonic neuroepithelia and adult subventricular zone (SVZ) stem and progenitor 
cells express nestin. We characterized a transgenic line that expresses enhanced 
green fluorescent protein (eGFP) specified to neural tissue by the second 
intronic enhancer of the nestin promoter that had several novel features. During 
embryogenesis, the dorsal telencephalon contained many and the ventral 
telencephalon few eGFP+ cells. eGFP+ cells were found in postnatal and adult 
neurogenic regions. eGFP+ cells in the SVZ expressed multiple phenotype markers, 
glial fibrillary acidic protein, Dlx, and neuroblast-specific molecules 
suggesting the transgene is expressed through the lineage. eGFP+ cell numbers 
increased in the SVZ after cortical injury, suggesting this line will be useful 
in probing postinjury neurogenesis. In non-neurogenic regions, eGFP was strongly 
expressed in oligodendrocyte progenitors, but not in astrocytes, even when they 
were reactive. This eGFP+ mouse will facilitate studies of proliferative 
neuroepithelia and adult neurogenesis, as well as of parenchymal 
oligodendrocytes.