There are also differences between SVZ and SGZ neurogenesis in specific aspects, mainly in the niche organization, neuronal subtype differentiation, and migration Selleck GSK1120212 of newborn neurons. Adult neurogenesis recapitulates many features of embryonic neurogenesis. Indeed, the adult neurogenesis field has benefit tremendously from our knowledge of embryonic neurogenesis, such as the role of classic morphogens and transcription factors. Genetic analysis of adult neurogenesis is generally challenging and requires inducible and conditional approaches to ensure normal embryonic and early postnatal development. On the

other hand, because of its relative simplicity, adult neurogenesis may

provide an optimal system to investigate underlying molecular mechanisms and explore functions of susceptibility genes for mental disorders in neuronal development (reviewed by Christian et al., 2010). Indeed, some novel pathways were first identified in adult neurogenesis and later shown to be conserved in embryonic development (Cancedda et al., 2007 and Ge et al., 2006). Future comparative studies of embryonic and adult neurogenesis will remain to be fruitful. Significant questions still remain to be addressed regarding clonal properties of adult neural precursor subtypes, organization of the niche, cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating different aspects of neurogenesis see more under basal and stimulated conditions, contributions of new neurons to normal and aberrant brain functions, and properties

and functions of human adult neurogenesis. We also need to have a better understanding whether there are causal relationships between adult neurogenesis and animal behavior and between defects in adult neurogenesis and symptoms of degenerative neurological disorders. The Levetiracetam presence of functional adult neurogenesis throughout life demonstrates the strikingly plastic nature of the adult mammalian brain. While we focused our discussion on newborn neurons, it is important to appreciate that the adult CNS environment is also permissive for continuous structural rearrangement and development of adult-born neurons and that mature neurons can be extremely plastic as they constantly form new functional synaptic connections with adult-born neurons. Given the lack of effective regeneration after injury for neurons in the adult mammalian CNS (reviewed by Kim et al., 2006), more effort needs to be devoted to investigate the plastic nature of the adult CNS in general. Building upon the exciting recent progress and development of new tools, the adult neurogenesis field is poised to make another giant leap forward.