Maturation and function of new neurons in the adult hippocampus

Granule neurons continue to be generated throughout life in the mammalian hippocampus, a brain region important for learning and memory. The generation and survival of new neurons is highly regulated by experiences such as learning, exercise, and stressful encounters. We are now beginning to study the maturation of young granule cells, investigating the time interval between the birth of new neurons and their incorporation into circuits and ability to participate in hippocampal function. We are particularly interested in determining whether this maturation interval is fixed or whether it can be sped up by experience or other factors. In addition, we are examining the activation of the young neurons at a population level to determine which types and aspects of learning most strongly activate young neurons and to compare the activation of young and mature neurons under these different conditions. For example, we find differential activation of young neurons in the dorsal and ventral portions of the hippocampus that suggest that the young granule neurons may play a particularly important role in learning under adverse conditions. Funded by the Intramural Program of the NIMH, NIH Z01‐MH002784.