Neurogenesis and brain repair

Abstract

Neurogenesis is the complex process of generating new neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Classically, neurogenesis was believed to only occur during embryonic development, never after the postnatal stage. However, the evolution of technologies in cellular and molecular biology, radiology, and so forth has resulted in the discovery of neurogenesis and neural stem cells (NSCs)/neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the adult brain. While the discovery has led to the potential for the repair of the injured or diseased brain, there are a number of issues yet to be resolved. The complex-three dimensional structure and organization of the adult brain limits the differentiation and integration of implanted NSCs/NPCs and thereby for the repair. In this chapter, recent advances in the study of embryonic and adult neurogenesis will be described including the defining of mechanisms, molecular markers and regulatory factors operative during neurogenesis, as well as recent findings into the role of adult neurogenesis in brain disorders and brain repair.