These investigators seek to understand the function of adult neurogenesis by studying the regulation of granule cell birth, the properties of the new neurons, and the behavioral consequences of altering neurogenesis. The dentate gyrus is one of only two brain regions that continue to produce large numbers of new neurons during adulthood.

      Another focus of is understanding the basic developmental processes that continue in the dentate gyrus throughout adulthood. Many factors, including hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, and granule cell death regulate granule cell precursor proliferation, but we still do not have a complete picture of how these factors converge to regulate the opposing processes of cell birth and cell death. Understanding the dynamics of the granule cell population may provide clues to the function of the new neurons, e.g., whether they replace old granule cells or increase the size of the population. This work may suggest ways to encourage neurogenesis in other brain regions.

      These investigators also explore the effects of corticosteroids on the hippocampus. Psychosocial stress and corticosteroids, hormones released from the adrenal in response to stress, inhibit neurogenesis in the developing and adult dentate gyrus. Corticosteroids are responsible for the inhibition of neurogenesis observed in very old rats; removing corticosteroids from aged e rate of neurogenesis to that seen in young adults. They plan to investigate whether restoring neurogenesis resolves the memory deficits of aged rats. This work is likely to have implications for benign senescent memory loss in humans, as well other conditions associated with high corticosteroid levels and structural changes in the hippocampus, including chronic stress, major depression, and therapeutic use of corticosteroid medications.

Mission Statement

Program Director

Clinical Research Opportunities

Investigators

Program Information

What's New?

Disclaimer

For further information call toll free:
1-866-MAPNIMH
1-866-627-6464