Better Understanding of Newborn Neurons

(University of Geneva, March 03, 2016)

The brain is home to different types of neurons, which are derived from specialized stem cells, called progenitor cells, that can divide to give rise to neurons. Now, neuroscientists from the University of Geneva have developed a novel open access technology called FlashTag, which tags progenitors with a fluorescent marker at the very moment they divide. This enables researchers to isolate and visualize newborn neurons, and study the evolution in gene expression, unfolding like a movie. Scientists have found that several original genes are involved in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, a predisposition may be present from the first moments in the existence of neurons. With this tool, researchers will hopefully better understand the mechanisms underlying diseases such as autism and schizophrenia.