Adult neurogenesis

Adult Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are created in the adult brain. It occurs in two main areas of the brain; the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. In the adult SVZ, neural stem cells divide and generate immature neurons that migrate to the olfactory bulb. Upon reaching the olfactory bulb, the new neurons begin to mature into functional neurons that aid in olfactory processing. In the hippocampus, the new neurons migrate to the DG, where they are thought to help support learning and memory processing. The mechanism of adult neurogenesis remains poorly understood. However, it is thought to rely on a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Genetic influences include regulators of adult neurogenesis, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neural stem cell-associated factors, like Sox2. Environmental influences include age, physical activity, nutrition, and stress, all of which could affect the rate at which neural stem cells divide, migrate, and mature. Studies of rodents have revealed that adult neurogenesis may be involved in behaviors such as learning and memory, and emotionally-relevant behaviors, suggesting a potential role for adult neurogenesis in humans as well. Increasing evidence from animal models suggests that environmental or pharmacological manipulation can promote or suppress adult neurogenesis, with possible implications for human health. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of adult neurogenesis and its possible link to human behavior.