http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304416512002577
Abstract
Background
Adult
neurogenesis occurs throughout life in discrete regions of the
mammalian brain and is tightly regulated via both extrinsic
environmental influences and intrinsic genetic factors. In recent years,
several crucial signaling pathways have been identified in regulating
self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of neural stem cells,
as well as migration and functional integration of developing neurons in
the adult brain.
Scope of review
Here
we review our current understanding of signaling mechanisms, including
Wnt, notch, sonic hedgehog, growth and neurotrophic factors, bone
morphogenetic proteins, neurotransmitters, transcription factors, and
epigenetic modulators, and crosstalk between these signaling pathways in
the regulation of adult neurogenesis. We also highlight emerging
principles in the vastly growing field of adult neural stem cell biology
and neural plasticity.
Major conclusions
Recent
methodological advances have enabled the field to identify signaling
mechanisms that fine-tune and coordinate neurogenesis in the adult
brain, leading to a better characterization of both cell-intrinsic and
environmental cues defining the neurogenic niche. Significant questions
related to niche cell identity and underlying regulatory mechanisms
remain to be fully addressed and will be the focus of future studies.
General significance
A
full understanding of the role and function of individual signaling
pathways in regulating neural stem cells and generation and integration
of newborn neurons in the adult brain may lead to targeted new therapies
for neurological diseases in humans. This article is part of a Special
Issue entitled Biochemistry of Stem Cells.
Highlights
►
Adult neurogenesis is regulated via both extrinsic environmental
influences and intrinsic genetic factors. ► We review individual
signaling mechanisms and their cross-talk in regulating adult
neurogenesis. ► We highlight emerging principles in the growing field of
adult neural stem cell biology.
So after your doctor has digested this article, ask him/her how they are going to use it to help your neurogenesis along. Don't be afraid, they'll probably just ask if you want one for a pet.
So after your doctor has digested this article, ask him/her how they are going to use it to help your neurogenesis along. Don't be afraid, they'll probably just ask if you want one for a pet.
No comments:
Post a Comment