Grant: Project Grant

Since the beginning of the 19th century, the adult brain was considered as an organ deprived of any regenerating capacity. This dogma was, however, shaken by the discovery of neural stem cells in certain regions of the adult human brain and their ability to produce new neurons. This discovery raised an exciting possibility of using endogenous brain regenerative capacity to cure brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, although promising, the use of neural stem cells to heal these devastating diseases is far from reach. The main reason for this is that endogenous neural stem cells in the human brain are found in their quiescent "dormant" state and in order to induce brain regenerative capacity we need to understand what are the signals and mechanisms that control the transition of stem cells from their quiescent to proliferative states. In this project using mouse models, advanced imaging and genetic tools, in vivo monitoring of stem cells activity, and pharmacological interventions we will study intrinsic mechanisms underlying maintenance of quiescent state and their entry into the proliferative phase. Our study will allow better understanding of the mechanisms that maintain stem cells quiescence and control their proliferation. This, in turn, will provide new strategies to increase neurogenesis and "turn on" brain regenerative capacity to heal devastating neurodegenerative diseases and brain trauma.