Targeted transgene expression in neuronal precursors: watching young neurons in the old brain.
Winner B, Bogdahn U, Winkler J (2006)
Publication Status: Published
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2006
Journal
Book Volume: 24
Pages Range: 1535-45
Journal Issue: 6
DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.05039.x
Abstract
Progress in the field of neurogenesis is limited by the lack of animal models allowing direct detection and analysis of living cells participating in neurogenesis. We engineered a transgenic mouse model that expresses the fluorescent reporter proteins enhanced green fluorescent protein or Discoma sp. reef coral red fluorescent protein under the control of the doublecortin (DCX) promoter, a gene specifically and transiently active in neuronal precursors and young neurons. The expression of the reporter proteins correlated with expression of the endogenous DCX protein, and with developmental and adult neurogenesis. Neurogenesis was unaffected by the presence of the fluorescent proteins. The transgenic mice allowed direct identification of the very few newly generated neurons present in the aged brain. We performed electrophysiological analysis and established that newly generated hippocampal granule cells in aged and young mice shared identical physiological properties. Hence, although the rate of neurogenesis tapers with ageing, a population of highly excitable young neurons indistinguishable to those found in younger animals is continuously generated. Therefore, maintenance of the fundamental properties of neuronal precursors even at advanced age suggests that stimulation of neurogenesis may constitute a valid strategy to counteract age-related neuronal loss and cognitive declines.
Authors with CRIS profile
Beate Winner
Professur für Stammzell-Modelle seltener neuraler Erkrankungen
Jürgen Winkler
Professur für Molekulare Neurologie
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Winner, B., Bogdahn, U., & Winkler, J. (2006). Targeted transgene expression in neuronal precursors: watching young neurons in the old brain. European Journal of Neuroscience, 24(6), 1535-45. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.05039.x
MLA:
Winner, Beate, Ulrich Bogdahn, and Jürgen Winkler. "Targeted transgene expression in neuronal precursors: watching young neurons in the old brain." European Journal of Neuroscience 24.6 (2006): 1535-45.
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