Neural Stem Cell Niche and Adult Neurogenesis

Adult neurogenesis is a process that generates new and functional neurons from neural stem cells (NSCs) in a specialized neurogenic niche throughout life. Misregulated neurogenesis is detrimental to normal brain functions. To ensure proper neurogenesis, the niche cells must respond to extrinsic cues while fulfilling the intrinsic requirements of the neurogenic program and adapting their roles accordingly to influence NSC behavior. Understanding how the neurogenic niche executes its functions may guide strategies to maintain its integrative process and provide a permissive milieu for neurogenesis. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries of interactive regulation of NSCs and neurogenesis by neurogenic niche and its implications in functional integrity of adult brain and neurological disorders.

Automated summary

Adult neurogenesis is a crucial process that generates new and functional neurons from neural stem cells throughout life. Maintaining the proper function of the neurogenic niche requires niche cells to respond to external cues and adapt their roles to influence NSC behavior. Understanding the interactive regulation of NSCs and neurogenesis by the neurogenic niche is important for maintaining the integrative process and functional integrity of the adult brain.