Metabolic control of adult neural stem cell behavior

Abstract

Neural stem cells generate new neurons throughout life in distinct regions of the mammalian brain. This process, called adult neurogenesis, is important for tissue homeostasis and physiological brain function. In addition, failing or altered neurogenesis has been associated with a number of diseases such as major depression and epilepsy. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms governing the neurogenic process in the adult brain may enable future therapeutic approaches to target neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) and their progeny to ameliorate disease symptoms and/or disease progression. Recently, the control of cellular metabolism has emerged as a regulator of NSPC activity in the adult brain. Here we review recent findings that attempt to describe stage-specific modulations of metabolism to ensure proper neurogenesis and suggest future avenues of research aiming to understand how metabolism affects NSPC behavior.