Team Osumi of Research Area "Elucidation of Mechanisms Underlying Brain Development and Learning" and Team Miyakawa of Research Area "Creation of a novel technology towards diagnosis and treatment based on understanding of molecular pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurological disorders" in Basic Research Programs CREST jointly organized this international symposium on "Hippocampal neurogenesis: its implication in neural functions and mental diseases" at Awaji Yumebutai International Conference Center from June 2 (Tuesday) to June 3 (Wednesday), 2009.
It has been thought that neurogenesis in mammals is seen only in the central nervous system during fetal life. However, in recent years, it became clear that neural stem cells exist in the lower layer of granular cells of hippocampal dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone of lateral cerebral ventricle, and new neurons are produced throughout the lifetime, and built into the neural circuits. Moreover, the increase and decrease of neurogenesis in postnatal brain related to aging or various diseases have been reported, and the physiological significance of a phenomenon called neurogenesis is gaining attention.
In this symposium, intensive discussions were conducted with a focus on neurogenesis and its relationship with learning or mental diseases. In regard to brain development, neurogenesis, learning and memory, mental diseases, model animals, etc., lectures were held by 5 people from abroad and 10 people from Japan; poster presentations on 30 themes were held; and very enthusiastic discussion took place among about 80 participants. This symposium helped to promote a better understanding among participating researchers about the relationship between neurogenesis and mental diseases or the physiological significance of neurogenesis, and the future prospects and problems of neurogenesis were recognized once again.
For more information on the symposium please visit the following website.
JST, an integrated organization of science and technology in Japan, establishes an infrastructure for the entire process from the creation of knowledge to the return to the society. For more information, visit http://www.jst.go.jp/EN/