Journal Article

Live imaging of neurogenesis in the adult mouse hippocampus

April, Simon, Betizeau, Marion, Pilz, Gregor-Alexander, Jörg, David J., Carta, Stefano, Jessberger, Sebastian, Simons, Benjamin D., Bottes, Sara, Helmchen, Fritjof

2018

Overview

Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) generate neurons throughout life in the mammalian hippocampus. We used chronic in vivo imaging and followed genetically labeled individual NSPCs and their progeny in the mouse hippocampus for up to 2 months. We show that NSPCs targeted by the endogenous Achaete-scute homolog 1 (Ascl1) promoter undergo limited rounds of symmetric and asymmetric divisions, eliciting a burst of neurogenic activity, after which they are lost. Further, our data reveal unexpected asymmetric divisions of nonradial glia-like NSPCs. Cell fates of Ascl1-labeled lineages suggest a developmental-like program involving a sequential transition from a proliferative to a neurogenic phase. By providing a comprehensive description of lineage relationships, from dividing NSPCs to newborn neurons integrating into the hippocampal circuitry, our data offer insight into how NSPCs support life-long hippocampal neurogenesis.

• Publisher: The American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Subject: Animals / ASCL1 protein / Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors - genetics / Brain / Cell Death / Cell Division - genetics / Cells (biology) / Circuits / Dentate gyrus / Hippocampus / Hippocampus - cytology / Hippocampus - growth & development / Homology / Learning / Memory / Mice / Nerve Net - cytology / Nerve Net - growth & development / Neural stem cells / Neural Stem Cells - cytology / Neurogenesis / Neurogenesis - genetics / Neuroglia - cytology / Neuroimaging / Neurons / Neurons - cytology / Progenitor cells / Progeny / Promoter Regions, Genetic / Rodents