Neurogenesis refers to the process of generating new neurons in the adult brain. It has been studied in numerous species, including humans, and has been found to be especially active in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning and memory (Zhao et al., 2008).
Recent research has identified several key factors in the regulation of adult neurogenesis, including growth factors, hormones, and neuronal activity (Kempermann, 2016). Additionally, it has been observed that environmental factors, such as exercise and social interaction, can affect neurogenesis (van Praag et al., 2005).
Growing evidence suggests that adult neurogenesis is important for learning and memory, as well as for responding to stress (Kempermann, 2016). For example, studies in mice have found that exercise increases the rate of neurogenesis, and that this increase is correlated with improved performance on spatial memory tasks (van Praag et al., 2005). Additionally, it has been shown that increasing the production of new neurons in the hippocampus can alleviate the effects of stress (Snyder et al., 2011).
Overall, neurogenesis appears to be an important mechanism by which the brain can respond to experience and adapt to its environment. While further research is needed to fully understand the regulation and function of adult neurogenesis, the current evidence suggests that it is an integral part of brain plasticity.
References
Kempermann, G. (2016). Regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis: implications for novel theories of major depression. Biological Psychiatry, 79(3), 174-180.
Snyder, J. S., Soumier, A., Brewer, M., Pickel, J., & Cameron, H. A. (2011). Adult hippocampal neurogenesis buffers stress responses and depressive behaviour. Nature, 476(7361), 458-461.
van Praag, H., Schinder, A. F., Christie, B. R., Toni, N., Palmer, T. D., & Gage, F. H. (2005). Functional neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Nature, 438(7068), 893-899.
Zhao, C., Teng, E. M., Summers, R. G. Jr., Ming, G. L., & Gage, F. H. (2008). Distinct morphological stages of dentate granule neuron maturation in the adult mouse hippocampus. Journal of Neuroscience, 28(8), 2148-2160.