Life and death in the hippocampus: what young neurons need to survive

Source: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Posted: August 13, 2006

Summary:

Whether newborn nerve cells in adult brains live or die depends on whether they can muscle their way into networks occupied by mature neurons. Neuroscientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies pin-pointed the molecular survival gear required for a young neuron to successfully jump into the fray and hook up with other cells.

Commentary: Hopefully this will accelerate treatments for central nervous systetm disoders using neural stem cells and regenerative medicine.