Interaction between Neurogenesis and Hippocampal Memory System: New Vistas

Abstract

During the last decade, the questions on the functionality of adult neurogenesis have changed their emphasis from if to how the adult-born neurons participate in a variety of memory processes. The emerging answers are complex because we are overwhelmed by a variety of behavioral tasks that apparently require new neurons to be performed optimally. With few exceptions, the hippocampal memory system seems to use the newly generated neurons for multiple roles. Adult neurogenesis has given the dentate gyrus new capabilities not previously thought possible within the scope of traditional synaptic plasticity. Looking at these new developments from the perspective of past discoveries, the science of adult neurogenesis has emerged from its initial phase of being, first, a surprising oddity and, later, exciting possibility, to the present state of being an integral part of mainstream neuroscience. The answers to many remaining questions regarding adult neurogenesis will come along only with our growing understanding of the functionality of the brain as a whole. This, in turn, will require integration of multiple levels of organization from molecules and cells to circuits and systems, ultimately resulting in comprehension of behavioral outcomes.

Role of Mitochondrial Metabolism in the Control of Early Lineage Progression and Aging Phenotypes in Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis

“…It is now well accepted that a substantial number of new neurons is also generated in the DG of adult humans (Eriksson et al, 1998; Spalding et al, 2013). New neurons fulfill important functions in hippocampal plasticity and it is hypothesized that impaired neurogenesis contributes to the pathophysiology of cognitive symptoms in aging and neuropsychiatric diseases (Abrous and Wojtowicz, 2015; Christian et al, 2014; Rolando and Taylor, 2014). …”

Running-Induced Systemic Cathepsin B Secretion Is Associated with Memory Function

“…Running induces hypoxia (Radak et al, 2013) which in turn may elevate brain CTSB levels (Yakovlev and Gulyaeva, 2015). This could promote clearance of neural debris (Devi and Kiran, 2004) and adult neurogenesis, a process implicated in memory function (Abrous and Wojtowicz, 2015). Running increased neurogenesis in WT but not CTSB KO mice.…”

Neurogenesis in the Adult Avian Song-Control System

“…The song nuclei that incorporate new neurons in adult birds, HVC, and area X (a basal ganglia homolog) are dedicated to the regulation of song, a learned sensorimotor behavior. Placing adult neurogenesis in these regions into a functional context is, therefore, relatively straightforward (e.g., Brown et al 1999;Gould et al 1999b;Malberg et al 2000;Morris 2006;Abrous and Wojtowicz 2008;Clelland et al 2009;Konkel and Cohen 2009).…”