A3: Identification of novel mechanisms involved in adult neurogenesis and vertebrate brain plasticity in zebrafish

Project leader: Prof. Dr. M. Brand

New neurons are made in only two areas of the adult mammalian brain, but throughout the adult zebrafish brain. The molecular mechanisms controlling neural stem cell/precursor activity are largely unknown. We will systematically study the previously undescribed cerebellar stem cell niche, using transgenic lines and Cre/loxP technology. We will analyze the transcriptome and cell lineage of active neural stem cells, and their dependance on Fgf signals as a candidate mechanism in vivo. The results may help to devise strategies for repairing senescing brains also in humans.