Change of redox state as principal switch in the initiation of neuronal development from adult hippocampal precursor cells

Numerous factors have been identified that regulate adult neurogenesis. Are there shared principles underlying this spectrum of potential regulators? We here aim at identifying changes in redox state as basal key mechanism in the control of stem cell activity and neuronal development in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. We will investigate changes in redox state in neural precursor cells alone and in co-cultures with either neurons or endothelia – two major cellular components of the stem cell niche. With a genetic sensor system we will study, whether change in redox state is cause or consequence of regulated neurogenesis. We will try to determine whether redox-based regulation is generally part of the transition from proliferation to differentiation, independent of oxygen levels.