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The neurogenic reserve hypothesis: what is adult hippocampal neurogenesis good for?

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Item Type:Review
Title:The neurogenic reserve hypothesis: what is adult hippocampal neurogenesis good for?
Creators Name:Kempermann, G.
Abstract:Several theories have proposed possible functions of adult neurogenesis in learning processes on a systems level, such as the avoidance of catastrophic interference and the encoding of temporal and contextual information, and in emotional behavior. Under the assumption of such functionality of new neurons, the question arises: what are the consequences of adult hippocampal neurogenesis beyond the temporally immediate computational benefit? What might provide the evolutionary advantage of maintaining neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus but almost nowhere else? I propose that over the course of life, activity-dependently regulated adult neurogenesis reveals its true significance in the retained ability for lasting and cumulative network adaptations. The hippocampal precursor cells that generate new neurons with their particular acute function represent a 'neurogenic reserve': the potential to remain flexible and plastic in hippocampal learning when the individual is exposed to novelty and complexity.
Keywords:Cell Proliferation, Hippocampus, Neurons
Source:Trends in Neurosciences
ISSN:0166-2236
Publisher:Elsevier
Volume:31
Number:4
Page Range:163-169
Date:April 2008
Additional Information:The original publication is available at www.sciencedirect.com
Official Publication:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2008.01.002
PubMed:View item in PubMed

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