Abstract:

Neurogenesis occurs in the adult brain and is defined as the production of new neurons from a population of cells known as neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs are also capable of self-renewal and differentiation into astrocytes or oligodendrocytes through processes known as astrogliogenesis and oligodendrogenesis, respectively. These properties of NSCs are crucial not only during development, where they drive the formation of neural connections and brain growth, but also throughout life to generate new neurons and glia in several key regions of the brain. The two main regions extensively studied for adult neurogenesis are the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone of the hippocampus. NSCs have also been found in several other regions of the central ner-vous system, including a novel region recently identified as a neurogenic niche, the tanycyte layer of the hypothalamus. Due to the integral role of NSCs in brain maintenance and repair, these cells have been investigated in neurodegenerative diseases, neurotrauma, aging, and addic-tion. However, the effects of drugs of abuse, specifically alcohol, on NSCs remains largely elusive.