Special Seminar: Adult neurogenesis, learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease

Contact person: Dr. Tammy Juven-Gershon

Neurogenesis in the adult brain plays a role in learning and memory. The existence of neurogenesis permits high level of brain plasticity and provides a source of new neurons and glia. Thus, modulation of neurogenesis has high therapeutic value, once the molecular signaling regulating these processes is unraveled. This might be particularly critical as a function of age, as a dramatic decline in extent of neurogenesis takes place in the brains of mid-life and aging mammals. This decline may underlie, at least in part, reduced memory function in aging, and may promote higher susceptibility to aging-linked memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, we show that neurogenesis is impaired early in life in Alzheimer’s mouse models, preceding memory impairments and neuropathological hallmarks. In addition, major players in Alzheimer’s disease regulate neural progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation. This suggests a molecular link between neurogenesis and Alzheimer’s disease and implies that impairments in neurogeneis may contribute to or exacerbate the development of the disease.

If you wish to meet Prof. Lazarov, please contact Tammy Juven-Gershon

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