Molecular genetic investigation of neurogenesis in the rat auditory pathway from postnatal days until adulthood

Neurogenesis is defined as the process of developing new neurons from neural stem cells. Neural stem cells have been identified in various nuclei along the auditory pathway. The neurogenic potential of the auditory pathway is of special interest in relation to its potential therapeutic and renewable characteristics. At the molecular genetic level neurogenesis is controlled by complex mechanisms navigating the expression of various genes.

The aim of this project was to detect the expression of genes responsible for neurogenesis in diverse nuclei of the auditory pathway and to compare these findings among themselves.

Therefore, DNA was isolated from the spiral ganglion, the cochlear nucleus and the inferior colliculus from early postnatal up to adult rats. Afterwards, the expression of genes playing a role in neurogenesis was analyzed using microarrays.

The expression of neurogenic factors was identified in early postnatal until adult stages. Age- and region-specific characteristics were observed. Early postnatal rats showed an increased expression of proliferating genes, whereas in adult rats an elevated expression of metabolic and structural genes was observed.

These investigations indicate a lifelong persistence of neurogenesis along the auditory pathway at a molecular genetic level. The identification of essential neurogenic factors and their expression over time may contribute to a better understanding of the development and the plasticity of the auditory pathway. A better comprehension of molecular genetic processes may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

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Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020