Adult neurogenesis and in vivo reprogramming: combining strategies for endogenous brain repair

Abstract

Functional recovery of the human brain after injury, or slowing of a neurodegenerative disease is the ultimate goal of brain research. Many promising studies have identified key genes involved in the generation of neuroblasts and oligodendrocytes from adult neurogenic niches and determined their involvement in endogenous regeneration after injury. Interestingly, some of the same genes have been found to be able to generate neuroblasts through in vivo cell reprogramming strategies, offering an alternative mechanism to regenerate the brain after injury. However, appropriate neuronal sub-type generation and functional integration is still lacking in many injury models. Key molecules must be identified from within the injury-induced micro-environment that can promote correct subtype maturation and integration before brain repair after injury can become a functional reality.