Abstract
Neural progenitor cells are the only cells in the adult brain that continue to proliferate, migrate, and integrate into existing neural networks throughout the life-span of all mammals examined to date, including humans. Understanding how neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons) is regulated has exciting therapeutic potential for a wide range of central nervous system diseases. Neural progenitor cells exist in two neurogenic regions of the adult mammalian brain: the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the forebrain subventricular zone. In recent studies, postnatal neurogenesis has been reported in several regions of the fish brain including the olfactory bulb, optic tectum, dorsal zones of the telencephalon, hypothalamus, and divisions of the cerebellum. While fish brain is reported to contain more neurogenic regions than the mammalian brain, little else is known about neurogenesis in the adult fish brain. This study aims to determine the contribution of neurogenesis in each brain region by examining the proliferation, integration, and cell fate of neural progenitor cells in neurogenic nuclei of the adult Mayan Cichlid brain. Comparisons will be made between the various nuclei to determine if differences exist in the rates of proliferation, integration, cell fate, and cell death. The findings obtained in this study will advance our understanding of how neurogenesis contributes to ongoing brain functions and will also contribute to future studies examining factors that may alter neurogenesis.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. James R. Munoz
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-13-2012 1:00 PM
End Date
4-13-2012 5:30 PM
Comparative Neurogenesis in the Brain of the Adult Mayan Cichlid
Alvin Sherman Library
Neural progenitor cells are the only cells in the adult brain that continue to proliferate, migrate, and integrate into existing neural networks throughout the life-span of all mammals examined to date, including humans. Understanding how neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons) is regulated has exciting therapeutic potential for a wide range of central nervous system diseases. Neural progenitor cells exist in two neurogenic regions of the adult mammalian brain: the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the forebrain subventricular zone. In recent studies, postnatal neurogenesis has been reported in several regions of the fish brain including the olfactory bulb, optic tectum, dorsal zones of the telencephalon, hypothalamus, and divisions of the cerebellum. While fish brain is reported to contain more neurogenic regions than the mammalian brain, little else is known about neurogenesis in the adult fish brain. This study aims to determine the contribution of neurogenesis in each brain region by examining the proliferation, integration, and cell fate of neural progenitor cells in neurogenic nuclei of the adult Mayan Cichlid brain. Comparisons will be made between the various nuclei to determine if differences exist in the rates of proliferation, integration, cell fate, and cell death. The findings obtained in this study will advance our understanding of how neurogenesis contributes to ongoing brain functions and will also contribute to future studies examining factors that may alter neurogenesis.
