Authors: THOMAS, ROSANNE M.¹; PETERSON, DANIEL A.²

Source: Gene Expression, Volume 14, Number 3, 2007 , pp. 183-193(11)

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

Abstract:

An emerging hypothesis, linking modulation of neurogenesis with the onset and subsequent treatment of depression, has received much attention recently as an attractive explanation for successful behavioral changes induced by antidepressant medication in both humans and animals. However, evidence for such a link remains elusive and inconsistent. This review discusses evidence for modulation of neurogenesis as a neurobiological substrate for depression within the context of heterogeneous animal models of depression. Examining the evidence currently available linking neurogenesis and depression is problematic for at least four reasons: 1) approaches to document ongoing neurogenesis and neuronal lineage commitment are varied, making cross-study comparison difficult; 2) as the functional contribution of adult neurogenesis has yet to be completely determined, it is speculative to state a functional significance to changes in neurogenesis; 3) there is diversity in animal models of depression with variable degrees of correlation with human depression; and 4) there remains insufficient knowledge of molecular factors and changes in gene expression that conclusively link neurogenesis modulation and depression. This review examines the current state of evidence regarding the following: 1) consistent data collection delineating the existence of neurogenesis, its stages of progression, and stage modulation; 2) the functional contribution of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and the use of stress-based animal models for its modulation, 3) possible molecular links between antidepressant medication and neurogenesis, specifically neurotrophins and trophic factors; and finally 4) specific suggestions for further investigations necessary to warrant full acceptance of a link between modulation of neurogenesis and depression.

Keywords: Stress; Hippocampus; Dentate gyrus; BDNF; Antidepressants; BrdU

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/NO_DOI

Affiliations: 1: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA 2: Neural Repair and Neurogenesis Laboratory, Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA

Publication date: 2007-03-01

More about this publication?

• The Molecular and Cellular Biology area of Gene Expression covers all aspects of the gene including it structure, functions, and regulation in prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses; molecular and cell biological aspects of cell growth and development, chromatin structure and function. These include topics such as DNA replication, DNA repair, gene transcription, transcriptional control, RNA processing, posttranscriptional control, oncogenes, molecular mechanisms of action of hormones, molecular mechanism of cellular differentiation, growth and development, protein synthesis, and posttranslational control.
  The Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience area of Gene Expression covers all aspects of gene expression as described but is devoted exclusively to the nervous system in health and disease. Topics include studies of neurogenesis, development, aging, and neurodegeneration. Complex neural systems, motor control, special senses, and higher cortical function, when viewed from the perspective of gene expression, are appropriate for the journal. Research related to molecular mechanisms of drug tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal are solicited. Manuscripts on state-of-the-art methods and protocols for molecular profiling of neuronal structure and function are welcome.

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