Fred Gage, PhD, of the Salk Institute talks about neurogenesis in the adult brain in Marsh Lecture

An endowed professor for research on age-related neurodegenerative diseases, Fred Gage, PhD, of the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences in La Jolla, presented his latest work on neurogenesis during this year's Marsh Lecture. "Brain cells are not just born but they are connecting," Dr. Gage said of the adult brain. His studies and others have shown that about six percent of brain cells turn over in the adult brain every month. Fifty percent of the cells born in adulthood die but there are many ways - including exercise - that can help these new brain cells survive. The hope, of course, is that research will lead to new ways to repopulate the diseased brain with healthy cells. It has long been thought that primates, including humans, are born with the complete set of neurons for a lifetime. It was dogma that throughout development and beyond, humans lose neuronal cells, but never gain new ones. Things have sure changed in the course of a decade. In 1998, Dr. Gage and his colleagues described the first evidence in humans that adult brains can grow new cells. The California scientists got hold of brain tissue from cancer patients who had received a chemical that tags the growth of new cells. The scientists were able to identify stem cells in a few regions of the brain. But did the stem cells develop into neurons? Or could they be coaxed into becoming neurons? Dr. Gage showed beautiful pictures of stem cells programmed to become neurons. They behave just like neurons, sending long projections out to other cells to communicate. By 28 days, they are mature and active. The scientists are now identifying genes that provide the signals to neuronal stem cells to turn into different cell types. Many laboratories at the Feinstein Institute are devoted to unraveling the puzzle of brain diseases, from Parkinson's disease to brain tumors. The Marsh Lecture is a coveted annual event. But throughout the year, scientists from all corners of the world are invited to the Feinstein to share their work. Feinstein scientists also present their latest findings during lectures held every few days at the institute.

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