Neurogenes

Neurogenes is a term used in neuroscience to refer to genes that regulate neurogenesis, the process by which neurons are generated from neural progenitor or stem cells. The term is often used to describe broad networks of transcription factors, signaling molecules, and other regulatory elements that influence neural development in embryos and ongoing neurogenesis in the adult brain.

In development, neurogenes influence neural progenitor proliferation, fate specification, neuronal migration, and maturation. In the adult brain, certain neurogenes participate in neurogenic niches such as the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone, helping control the generation of new neurons and their integration into neural circuits. They act through multiple pathways, including Notch, Wnt, and various growth factor signaling cascades, and their activity is frequently modulated by epigenetic mechanisms and environmental cues.

Expression of neurogenes is tightly regulated in time and space, with patterns that differ across brain regions and species. Evolutionary changes in regulatory elements may contribute to species-specific differences in neurogenesis and brain plasticity. In addition, noncoding RNAs and post-translational modifications can modulate the activity of neurogenes, adding layers of control over neural development and regeneration.

Clinical and research relevance: alterations in neurogene activity have been linked to developmental brain disorders and to responses following injury. Studying neurogenes aims to inform strategies to promote regeneration or to address diseases involving impaired neurogenesis, though translating findings into therapies remains an active area of investigation. See also: neurogenesis, neural stem cells, brain development.