Adult neurogenesis: mechanisms and functional significance

Development. 2014 May;141(10):1983-6. doi: 10.1242/dev.104596.

Abstract

New neurons are generated throughout life in distinct regions of the mammalian brain. This process, called adult neurogenesis, has been implicated in physiological brain function, and failing or altered neurogenesis has been associated with a number of neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms governing the neurogenic process in the adult brain and describe how new neurons may contribute to brain function in health and disease.

Keywords: Neural stem cell; Neurogenesis; Neurons; Neuropsychiatric disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Adult Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology
  • Brain / growth & development*
  • Brain / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neural Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Stem Cell Niche / physiology