Adult neurogenesis

Adult neurogenesis is the complex biological process by which functional neurons are generated from neural stem and progenitor cells in the adult brain. In most mammalian species, this process occurs primarily in two restricted 'niches': the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ) adjacent to the lateral ventricles (Ming & Song, 2011, Neuron). These new neurons undergo a rigorous maturation process involving migration, differentiation, and synaptic integration, which is essential for cognitive functions like pattern separation and spatial memory (Sahay et al., 2011, Nature). Clinically, adult neurogenesis is a major area of interest because its impairment is strongly linked to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease (Santarelli et al., 2003, Science). Many therapeutic agents, most notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, are believed to exert their long-term behavioral effects by enhancing the rate of hippocampal neurogenesis. While 'Adult neurogenesis' itself is a biological phenomenon rather than a single molecular receptor, it serves as a critical focal point for drug development aimed at promoting brain repair and restoring cognitive or emotional homeostasis.

Other names

Postnatal neurogenesisAdult hippocampal neurogenesisAdult neural stem cell proliferationSubgranular zone neurogenesisSubventricular zone neurogenesis

Modulation of neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation, survival, and functional integration into existing neural circuits.