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Role of NMDA receptors in adult neurogenesis: an ontogenetic (re)view on activity-dependent development

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Abstract

It is now widely accepted that neurogenesis continues throughout life. Accumulating evidence suggests that neurotransmitters are essential signaling molecules that control the different steps of neurogenesis. Nevertheless, we are only beginning to understand the precise role of neurotransmitter receptors and in particular excitatory glutamatergic transmission in the differentiation of adult-born neurons. Recent technical advances allow single-cell gene deletion to study cell-autonomous effects during the maturation of adult-born neurons. Single-cell gene deletion overcomes some of the difficulties in interpreting global gene deletion effects on entire brain areas or systemic pharmacological approaches that might result in compensatory circuit effects. The aim of this review is to summarize recent advances in the understanding of the role of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) during the differentiation of adult-born neurons and put them in perspective with previous findings on cortical development.

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  1. Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences U836, Université Joseph Fourier, Site Santé La Tronche BP 170, 38042, Grenoble Cedex 9, France

    Jean-Claude Platel

  2. Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany

    Wolfgang Kelsch

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  1. Jean-Claude Platel
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Correspondence to Jean-Claude Platel or Wolfgang Kelsch.

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Platel, JC., Kelsch, W. Role of NMDA receptors in adult neurogenesis: an ontogenetic (re)view on activity-dependent development. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 70, 3591–3601 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-013-1262-z

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