Non-engineered and Engineered Adult Neurogenesis in Mammalian Brains

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2019 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00131 · Published: February 21, 2019

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

Adult neurogenesis, the generation of new neurons in the adult brain, has been a topic of intense research, particularly in rodents where it is more prominent. However, in humans, adult neurogenesis is limited, which may explain the brain's limited self-repair capabilities after injury or disease. A new technology, in vivo cell conversion, offers a promising approach to regenerate neurons by converting glial cells directly into functional neurons within the brain. This method bypasses the need for cell transplantation and can potentially be applied throughout the central nervous system. This review compares non-engineered adult neurogenesis with engineered neurogenesis techniques, focusing on the potential of in vivo cell conversion to provide a large number of functional new neurons in situ for repairing damaged brains and spinal cords.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Adult neurogenesis is limited in humans compared to rodents, which impacts the brain's ability to self-repair.
2
In vivo cell conversion technology offers a way to generate new neurons by converting glial cells directly within the brain, bypassing the need for cell transplantation.
3
The mechanisms governing in vivo reprogramming of non-neuronal cells into neurons are mostly unknown and understudied, requiring further investigation.

Research Summary

This review discusses the current understanding of adult neurogenesis in mammalian brains, highlighting the differences between rodents, primates, and humans. It emphasizes the limitations of endogenous neurogenesis in humans and the potential of engineered neurogenesis to overcome these limitations. The review explores in vitro engineered neurogenesis techniques, such as stem cell transplantation and neuronal trans-differentiation, and then focuses on the emerging technology of in vivo engineered neurogenesis through glia-to-neuron conversion. The advantages and challenges of in vivo glia-to-neuron conversion are discussed, including its potential for widespread application in the CNS, the need for precise control over neuronal identity, and the importance of functional integration and long-term survival of the newly converted neurons.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for Neurological Disorders

In vivo glia-to-neuron conversion holds promise for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease by regenerating lost neurons.

Advancement of Regenerative Medicine

The development of in vivo cell conversion technology could revolutionize regenerative medicine by providing a less invasive and more efficient way to repair damaged brain and spinal cord.

Drug Development

The potential for chemical reprogramming using small molecules opens avenues for drug development aimed at stimulating endogenous neurogenesis and reversing neurodegenerative processes.

Study Limitations

1
The mechanisms underlying in vivo glia-to-neuron conversion are not fully understood.
2
Achieving precise control over the identity and functionality of converted neurons remains a challenge.
3
Long-term survival and functional integration of newly generated neurons need further investigation.

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