Molecular and functional heterogeneity of neural stem cells across lifespan

Neural stem cells generate new neurons throughout life in distinct regions of the mammalian brain. This process, called adult neurogenesis, is critically involved in certain forms of learning and memory. In addition, failing or altered neurogenesis has been associated with a number of neuro-psychiatric diseases such as major depression and cognitive aging. We aim to characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating neural stem cell activity and behavior on a single cell level across lifespan. We present new approaches to study the cellular principles underlying life-long neurogenesis using imaging-based tools and single cell molecular profiling. Further, we provide evidence for novel molecular mechanisms governing the neurogenic process in the mammalian brain. Thus, the data presented provide new insights into the cellular principles of life-long neurogenesis and identify novel mechanisms regulating the behavior of rodent and human neural stem cells.