Neurogenesis and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Study Guide

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to neurogenesis, stem cell biology, and the impacts of maternal behavior on gene expression.

Neurogenesis

The process by which new neurons are generated, primarily occurring in the adult brain's hippocampus and olfactory bulb.

BrdU

Bromodeoxyuridine, a marker used to identify dividing cells, thereby proving the formation of new neurons.

Enriched environment

An environment that enhances neurogenesis, as shown by increased hippocampal neurons in adult mice compared to control mice.

BDNF

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; a neurotrophin that supports existing neurons, promotes production of new neurons, and aids in the differentiation of neurons.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPCS)

Stem cells reprogrammed from differentiated adult cells that have the potential to develop into any cell type.

Viral transfection

The method used to introduce stem-cell associated genes into mature cells, allowing for reprogramming into pluripotent stem cells.

Spina Bifida

A defect that occurs when the neural tube fails to close at the caudal end, resulting in spinal cord malformation.

Anencephaly

A defect arising from failure to close the neural tube at the rostral end, leading to incomplete brain development.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

A condition where genotypic XX females are exposed to high levels of adrenal androgens before birth, affecting genitalia and brain masculinization.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)

A condition where genotypic XY males have dysfunctional androgen receptors, leading to female external genitalia and non-masculinized brains.

Epigenetics

Modifications to the genome that do not change the nucleotide sequence but affect gene expression.

DNA methylation

The addition of a methyl group to cytosines in DNA, which typically suppresses gene transcription.

Histone modification

Chemical modifications of histone proteins that alter chromatin structure and affect gene transcription accessibility.

Maternal behavior influence

The effect of maternal care on the density of glucocorticoid receptors in offspring, which modulates stress response.

BPA (Bisphenol A)

A chemical that can decrease methylation of genes, affecting offspring health and traits such as coat color in mice.