Neurogenesis in the aging brain
Gerd Kempermann, M.D.
Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch
Robert-Rössle-Str. 10
D-13125 Berlin-Buch
Germany
gerd.kempermann@mdc-berlin.de
The adult brain continues to generate new neurons from neuronal stem or progenitor cells throughout life, but adult neurogenesis seems to be restricted to two brain regions, one of which is the hippocampus. There is increasing evidence that adult hippocampal neurogenesis is an important part of the plasticity the hippocampus shows. Although the exact function of adult hippocampal neurogenesis is unknown, several results suggest that the generation of new neurons in the adult dentate gyrus might play a role in certain aspects of learning. Hippocampal neurogenesis declines with age, but remains regulated in response to external challenges. Recent data suggest that failure in this regulation might result in diminished capabilities of the hippocampus to adjust to a novel environment and to learn. In line with these thoughts a possible contribution of failing adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been discussed in the context of the pathogenesis of major depression.
The presentation covers the following topics: (1) How is adult neurogenesis regulated? (2) How does this regulation change with age? (3) Which consequences might this have for neuropsychiatric disorders?
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