Adhar Sharma: The Dynamics of Adult Neurogenesis in the Dentate Gyrus
| When |
Jan 31, 2023
from 05:15 PM to 05:45 PM |
|---|---|
| Where | Bernstein Center, Lecture Hall, ground floor, Hansastr. 9a |
| Contact Name | Fiona Siegfried |
| Contact Phone | 0761 203 9549 |
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Abstract
The large-scale structural organisation of the adult brain is relatively stable and unchanging. Yet, in some animal species, including humans, new neurons are born and integrated into the hippocampal network of the adult brain throughout the lifetime - this is adult neurogenesis. Initially, the functional properties of adult-born neurons are distinct, however, as they mature, their properties converge to those of developmentally-born neurons. It is suspected that the age-dependent maturation and convergence of the functional properties of adult-born neurons are responsible for their integration into the existing brain networks. The hippocampus is involved in functions such as memory formation and pattern separation, among others. However, it is not clear how the integration of newborn neurons affects hippocampal functions.
I will present our assay of the dynamics of adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. We have developed a model where, following a maturation process, adult-born neurons form plastic connections and interact with other neurons in the hippocampal network. Large-scale numerical simulations suggest that age-dependent functional properties are critical for the integration of adult-born neurons into the preexisting network. Furthermore, an analysis of network dynamics suggests that if large numbers of adult-born neurons are rapidly added, pathological states such as epilepsy may emerge. Analysing different network configurations further indicates that adult-born neurons are involved in a competition-based appropriation of synapses of mature neurons.