Drew Lab Spotlight
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is conserved across many, if not all, mammalian species. And adult-born neurons appear to have important functional effects. Changes in the rate of adult neurogenesis correlate with clinically important variables. For instance, psychosocial stress potently suppresses hippocampal neurogenesis, while exercise, environmental enrichment, and virtually all antidepressant treatments stimulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Using targeted, inducible genetic manipulations in mice, combined with rigorous behavioral analysis, the Drew lab is identifying behaviors that are sensitive to the disruption of hippocampal neurogenesis, and is using those behaviors to elucidate the underlying cognitive processes that are modulated by adult neurogenesis.