Novel marker identifies cells that generate new neurons throughout life
The mammalian center for learning and memory, known as the hippocampus, has a remarkable capacity to generate new neurons throughout life. Newborn neurons originate from neural stem cells (NSCs) and are crucial for forming neural circuits required for learning and memory, and mood control.
“During aging, the number of NSCs declines, leading to decreased neurogenesis and age-associated cognitive decline, anxiety and depression,” said Dr. Mirjana Maletić-Savatić, associate professor of pediatrics-neurology at Baylor College of Medicine and investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Identifying the core molecular machinery responsible for NSC preservation is of fundamental importance if we are to use neurogenesis to halt or reverse hippocampal age-related conditions.”