Lei Zhang

By Lei Zhang and Xinhua Zhang

The dentate gyrus (DG), an important part of the hippocampus, plays a critical role in consolidation of information from short-term to long-term memory, and also in spatial navigation. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) exist throughout life in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the DG, where they develop into granular cells and establish synaptic connections with nearby cells. Granular cells of the DG sprout axons targeting neurons in the cornu ammonis 3 (CA3) area of the hippocampus, forming a neural trisynaptic circuit, an important part of the neural network in the hippocampus. Thus, the DG and the neurogenic cells it contains are of importance in controlling formation of memories, learned behaviors, and also in the maintenance and restoration of functions of the hippocampus. According to reports, both in vivo and in vitro neurogenesis in the DG are regulated by a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors at different stages. Therefore, a better understanding of the factors in NSPC niches and the intracellular molecules regulating/directing adult DG neurogenesis is needed to fully realize the potential of NSPCs in the treatment of hippocampal-related disorders. This chapter systematically summarizes the factors reported in regulating adult DG neurogenesis in mammals. Specifically, neurotransmitters, hormones, trophic factors, and others will be discussed.

Part of the book: The Hippocampus

By Kun Jiang, Yongqi Zhu and Lei Zhang

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a kind of neurodegenerative disease with insidious onset and progressive progression. The etiology of AD may be related to the loss of neurons, astrocytes, and microglial in the nervous system. Exogenous stem cell transplantation has brought hope to the treatment of AD. Stem cell transplantation can reduce amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition and Tau phosphorylation, and provide secretory factor support to improve learning and memory deficits. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the relationship between different stem cell species and the treatment of AD, and also summarize current experimental stem cell therapy strategies and their potential clinical applications in the future.

Part of the book: Hippocampus