The generation of new nerve cells was once thought to taper off at the end of embryonic development. However, recent research has shown that the adult brain can generate new nerve cells throughout life. One of the areas where this happens is the hippocampus, a brain structure that determines many types of learning and memory, deciding what is remembered and what is forgotten.
In a new study published in Science, researchers have shown for the first time the process by which neural stem cells divide and newborn neurons integrate in the adult mouse hippocampus. The study used in vivo 2-photon imaging and genetic labeling of neural stem cells in order to observe stem cell divisions as they happened, and to follow the maturation of new nerve cells for up to two months. By observing the cells in action and over time the team showed how most stem cells divide only for a few rounds before they mature into neurons. These results offer an explanation as to why the number of newborn cells dramatically declines with advancing age.
"In the past it was deemed technically impossible to follow single cell stem cells in the brain over time given the deep localization of the hippocampus in the brain", said the senior author.
The study answered long-standing questions in the field, but the researchers stated that this is just the beginning of many more experiments aimed at understanding how our brains are able to form new nerve cells throughout life. "In the future, we hope that we will be able to use neural stem cells for brain repair - for example for diseases such as cognitive aging, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease or major depression", summarizes the senior author.
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6376/658
https://youtu.be/lSrLRnc3F_c
Live imaging of neural stem cell divisions in adult mouse brain
- 1,853 views
- Added
Edited
Latest News
Which of the two DNA strand…
By newseditor
Posted 16 Jun
Microglia depletion prevent…
By newseditor
Posted 16 Jun
Colorectal cancer stem cell…
By newseditor
Posted 16 Jun
Paranoia in the brain
By newseditor
Posted 16 Jun
In-vitro 3D culture of func…
By newseditor
Posted 15 Jun
Other Top Stories
Origin of neural crest cells identified!
Read more
Lymphatic system found to play key role in hair regeneration
Read more
Transient wave of hematopoietic stem cell production in late fetuse…
Read more
Plectin protein as a potential biomarker for lung cancer stem cells
Read more
How bone marrow stem cells get energy to fight infection
Read more
Protocols
Bioengineered human colon o…
By newseditor
Posted 14 Jun
Development of an efficient…
By newseditor
Posted 12 Jun
A co-culture system of macr…
By newseditor
Posted 10 Jun
Analysis of 3D pathology sa…
By newseditor
Posted 08 Jun
Long-term expandable mouse…
By newseditor
Posted 07 Jun
Publications
Pathways for macrophage upt…
By newseditor
Posted 16 Jun
Common and distinct neural…
By newseditor
Posted 16 Jun
Strand-resolved mutagenicit…
By newseditor
Posted 16 Jun
Innate-like T cells in live…
By newseditor
Posted 16 Jun
Membrane to cortex attachme…
By newseditor
Posted 16 Jun
Presentations
Myelin plasticity in the ve…
By newseditor
Posted 10 Jun
Hydrogels in Drug Delivery
By newseditor
Posted 12 Apr
Lipids
By newseditor
Posted 31 Dec
Cell biology of carbohydrat…
By newseditor
Posted 29 Nov
RNA interference (RNAi)
By newseditor
Posted 23 Oct
Posters
A chemical biology/modular…
By newseditor
Posted 22 Aug
Single-molecule covalent ma…
By newseditor
Posted 04 Jul
ASCO-2020-HEALTH SERVICES R…
By newseditor
Posted 23 Mar
ASCO-2020-HEAD AND NECK CANCER
By newseditor
Posted 23 Mar
ASCO-2020-GENITOURINARY CAN…
By newseditor
Posted 23 Mar