Hippocampal Plasticity and neurogenesis

Research topic(s)

Our research group studies the development and aging of adult hippocampal stem cells. They form the basis of lifelong neurogenesis, during which new neurons are continuously added to the hippocampal network. Due to their special physiological properties, the new neurons contribute significantly to hippocampal information processing. Disorders of adult neurogenesis are associated with cognitive aging and neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and depression.

The neurogenic potential of the adult hippocampus declines with age, and loss of stem cell function appears to be a major cause. We are investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to aging of the adult stem cell pool. Because adult neural stem cell function is tightly controlled by their microenvironment, the stem cell niche, our search is not limited to changes in stem cells but includes those in their niche. Another factor that determines the potential for lifelong neurogenesis is the initial size of the adult stem cell pool determined during development, because adult stem cells can self-renew but not significantly expand their pool. Little is known about the ontogenetic origin and development of the adult stem cell pool which represent the second focus of our research.

Methods

• Single cell transcriptomics
• Immunofluorescence
• Confocal microscopy
• Cell culture
• Transgenic mouse model
• Behavioral analysis

Selected Publications

Urbach A, Witte OW. (2019) Divide or commit - Revisiting the role of cell cycle regulators in adult hippocampal neurogenesisExternal link. Front Cell Dev Biol 7:55

Urbach A, Baum E, Braun F, Witte OW. (2016) Cortical spreading depolarization increases adult neurogenesis, and alters behavior and hippocampus-dependent memory in mice.External link J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 37(5):1776-1790

Ansorg A, Witte OW, Urbach A. (2012) Age-dependent kinetics of dentate gyrus neurogenesis in the absence of cyclin D2.External link BMC Neurosci 13:46

Links

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