![]() ![]() Using their observation that quiescent neural stem cells express the BMP receptor 1A as a starting point, Mira and her collaborators investigated the role of BMP signaling in regulating the proliferation of stem cells located in the hippocampus, one of two brain regions harboring neural stem cells. “We already knew a lot about fate choice and differentiation, but it was unclear how neural stem cells decided to divide or not in the first place.” “Each stage is driven by a complex interplay between intrinsic mechanisms and environmental cues,” says co-first author Helena Mira, formerly a post-doc in the Gage laboratory and now an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Development at the Carlos III Health Institute in Madrid. Helena Mira, Carlos III Health Institute, Madridĭuring the process of neurogenesis, neurons-to-be pass through several distinct stages, including cell birth, fate determination, survival, integration, and acquisition of functional properties. Cell nuclei are shown in blue, nuclei of neural stem cells are shown in green, while radial stem cells are shown in red. The signaling molecule BMP keeps neural stem cells in the hippocampus, an important memory hub of the brain, in a quiescent state thus ensuring a pool of neural stem cells that lasts a lifetime. “Going forward, we can start to tinker with this mechanism to understand how exercise influences the aging brain.” Gage, Ph.D., a professor in the Laboratory for Genetics at the Salk Institute and the Vi and John Adler Chair for Research on Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. “This study provided us with very important insights into how adult stem cells are regulated, says senior author Fred H. Regular physical exercise not only slows the shrinking of aging hippocampi but also improves learning and memory in mature adults. This particular area of the brain, one of only two for which neurogenesis has been clearly shown, is particularly vulnerable to age-related degeneration. The research, which will be published in the July 1 issue of Cell Stem Cell, highlights the importance of bone morphogenetic factor protein (BMP) signaling for the maintenance of a neural stem cell reservoir throughout adult life and may provide the key to understanding the interplay between exercise, aging and neurogenesis.Īdult neural stem cells in the hippocampus-a memory hub of the brain-sprout new brain cells throughout life. Now scientists from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have identified the signal that prevents stem cells from proliferating, protecting the brain against too much cell division and ensuring a pool of neural stem cells that lasts a lifetime. However, little has been known about the molecular guards that keep them quiet. LA JOLLA, CA-Stem cells in the brain remain dormant until called upon to divide and make more neurons. JWork-life balance: Brain stem cells need their rest, too ![]()
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